Mankind is on a quest, to find happiness. He has turned to things of this world thinking surely he will find peace but after trying them, and seeing them fail, he continues his search only to be disappointed again. The answer can be found in the book of books. The one given to man from Him who knows our every need and has abundantly supplied them (1 Peter_3:10-15) It holds the keys to our happiness. When will we learn this lesson?

 1)      Refrain the Tongue

James has somewhat to say about the use of the tongue. In chapter 3:3 he speaks of why bits are put in the mouth of horses. Obviously it is to control the horse. Verse 4 tells us the reason for a ship having a rudder. Again, it’s to keep the ship on course. Finally in verse 5, he compares it to a fire. Just as fire can be a blessing, out of control it can do so much harm. What was once a blessing, uncontrolled, becomes a curse.

 2)      Turn from Evil

For the Christian, turning from evil is one way to say “I repent.” I have baptized people who had no intention of “turning from their evil ways.” Consequently they did as John said 6:66 “they walked with Him no more.” It would have been better for them not to have known the way than to return to their sinful ways. How sad it is to see a Christian refuse to give up sinful habits. Compare that to bathing and putting on dirty clothes.

 3)      Seek and Pursue Peace

The gospel is sowed in peace (James_3:18). The fruit it brings is “the peace that passes understanding”. (Philippians_4:7). Paraphrased, what Paul is saying is that God’s way of peace goes well beyond our understanding. Trust Me in this He says. (Mattthew_5:9)  “blessed are the peace makers they will be rewarded in heaven”.

 4)      Sanctify the Lord in Your Heart

Sanctify or “set the Lord apart”. There are things that are material and things that are spiritual and they should be kept separated. Jesus said, “Render to Caesar things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” Matthew_22:21. In addition, there are things man has need of but he must never take things belonging to God and convert it to his own use. In short, we must sanctify the Lord in our heart. So we have the three: Caesar, God. and self. We have certain obligations to each of them. Let’s be sure we keep them in their proper place.

 Bill Watkins