Deadly Duo

The Deadly Duo:
(Pride and the Tongue)
Greetings in the name of the Master, Jesus Christ!
In the world of spiritual reality, that which many of us avoid like the plague, there is a particularly dynamic combination of forces that cause the majority of problems within the Body of Christ. This combination is quite unique. One member is a spirit and one is flesh. One is a root and one is a branch. Sounds biblical huh? This duo is dynamic alright but it's a deadly duo. Joining forces with a most lethal result. The root, to use biblical metaphor, is Pride. The branch in question, and there a many others which spring from this root, is the tongue. That little fleshy mass behind your teeth. You know, what you lick your ice cream with, what you bless and curse with. It is beyond safe to say that pride is at the root of sin as humility is at the root of Holiness.
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Proverb:16:18
In God's Church, the real church, there is lethal damage being done by those who do not hold to or teach the Truth of Jesus Christ. The bible calls them proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, And of course, the fleshly mechanism used to forward these words is the tongue. And what comes forth as a result of using the tongue powered by pride ...whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 1Tm:6:4:5
Would any of us say, I'm proud to be a child of God? Wouldn't that constitute haughtiness? We wouldn't dare say that. But we have no problem pasting stickers all over our cars and trucks and walls speaking of the pride of our nation, the power of pride, proud to be an American. Frankly I'm ashamed to be called that when I look upon a self-worshiping people, extolling material success in opposition to the poverty of repentance and Godly sorrow for our sins. I grieve over the absence of character and true virtue in the so called believers in and out of our churches. Posers don't live in the churches alone. You've got them in your midst every day. They are part of the virus that plagues the Body of Christ, the truly Elect, that spout the words and platitudes to gain entry into our small fellowships, thinking themselves hidden from the scrutiny of those who are given to discern their belly loving agendas. Remember Isa:29:15: Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?
Our pride has bound us to a sinking ship. And the sharks are waiting. Proverb:16:5: Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. Take heed!
We all know the world lives by pride in all it does and I'm presently concentrating on the admonitions in the Bible concerning the Saints, specifically, the backslidden Saints if they were ever Saints to begin with...
I'd shudder to think what the typical compromised congregation would do to a real pastor and man of God if he were to lean out over the pulpit on a fine Sunday morning and let both barrels fly with a real sermon against pride. I shudder, but know the results. The board would say, "We can't have you upsetting the church with this kind of preaching. It intimidates the paying customers. We want a God of love, not wrath. A God that fits in our box we call our faith. We know a car wash that's looking for some full time help and it may be better suited to your calling because we can't use you anymore. You weren't hired to wake anyone up or rock this beautiful gilded boat of ours here, you were hired to keep the sheep entertained and walking a strait line to Hell." And don't think that's some fantasy folks. I really happens. A lot!
Sadly, "They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable;"
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. Proverb:13:10
Today's unholy showmen exemplify Ro:16:17-18. They teach a watered down, carnal, worldly, contrary doctrine using their deceived tongues powered by their pride. And their sleepy proselytes embrace this false doctrine and welcome it. This doctrine includes debates and diversion from the Truth! It includes the pampering of SELF! You know the passage regarding these, For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple(Rom 16:18). Now back up a verse for context: Rom:16:17: Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. NOTE the word "mark"! We're told to avoid these. Not debate with them! Some would say, can't I stick around there? It's such a nice church. Maybe they'll eventually see the error of their ways and come fully to Christ. Well, this passage implies more truth beyond what is read. We are told to avoid them, meaning have no contact. God is directing us to the reason for this avoidance. They are obviously lost beyond hope, "marked", and the recipients of curse 2Thess 2:11, reprobate (disqualified) as in (Rom 1:28). They have no love of the truth. God is trying to save us a lot of trouble and wasted time by telling us to avoid them. This should lead us to another command regarding hanging in there believing there is hope when there is no hope for these: Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. M't:7:6
What does the bible say about the tongue...
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. Jas:3:6
The tongue is one of the most dangerous weapons in all creation. The tongue is like a gun and Pride is the "finger on the trigger". Lies, deceits and unspeakable horrors are suffered because of words formed by the tongue, long before most deeds ensue. These calamities have their roots in pride and the tongue delivered the poison. A fine combination of dark spiritual elements concocted by the king of Hell. Tell me...are there any less horrible things happening in our homes and places of worship when this deadly duo is unleashed? I don't think so.
Jas:3:8: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Now hold the phone. We mustn't hasten to judgment here thinking even in our sanctified state we have no control over the tongue. This passage is a sign post, it screams of the only power that can aid us in controlling it as we contend with the powers that assault us which attempt to get us to use it as a deadly weapon. Yes, The Holy Spirit of God is our power. Sorry, James 3:8 doesn't tell us we're dirty rotten sinners and not perfect just forgiven. The eternal security teachers will though. We know all too well the effects of their deadly poison. Read ALL of James chapter 3. Interesting! James speaks to US! The ELECT! BRETHREN! NOT the unsaved/uncalled Posers. James is a great book for the backsliders among us.
The Bible give us powerful admonitions to control the tongue as well as warnings if we do not...
Proverb:17:20: He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
Col:4:6: Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Ti:2:7: In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Ti:2:8: Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
1Pe:3:10: For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
To be like Jesus, 1Pe:2:22: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: (Guile: Treachery, cunning; skillful deceit.)
Pride causes envy and hardness and lying treachery and deceit; Railings and all verbal perversions delivered by the tongue to the victim. How many lives have we forever changed by uttering a terse, undisciplined sentence? Is that a mind in submission. Is that being not conformed to this world: but being transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Ro:12:2)
How many families have been broken to bits because of the words of a Christ-claiming, deceitful spouse with a "roving eye". I don't have time for other juicy illustrations. I'm witness to enough of them almost daily but you get the picture. Pride was behind the evil deed and it doesn't take any education to see this for what it is...a deadly sin! Yes it caused Death. The death of a spirit, the death of trust, often the emotional death of one so deeply wounded by lies and treachery. Your Bible is full of true stories like that..read about Jezebel, David and Bath-Sheba...Saul. Look at how wonderfully the deadly duo performed in these people...for starters.
Backsliders, lets remember these things the next time we don't agree with someone or choose to vent the pride that wells up in those of us who have not yet obediently yielded to the humbling power of the Holy Spirit. We can't walk on both sides of the road; We can't talk out of both sides of our mouths... We're hypocrites and liars.
If we be judged in this matter for the backsliding sinners we truly are...better now than when Jesus tells us He never knew us. Are you listening? Incline your ears and soften your hardened hearts if you can...
But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 1Co:11:32
What about the times we blurt out a sentence that causes a dear soul to give up the faith, or wreck their trust in God or cause strife in the brotherhood of Believers? It happens all the time...if that soul turns away because of your reckless speech, that soul's blood in on your hands! Not pretty. Not Godly is it? 1John 3:15 says if we go so far as to hate, we become murderers, and Rev 21:8 tells of our fate...one thing leads to another as we well know. We MUST stop this at the source and humbly submit to God and continue to put our minds into submission. I repeat: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Ro:12:2)
To you backsliders out there, if your pride will "allow" you to take a moment and sober up with the Spirit of God, you may find the need to repent of the many sins of pride and a loose tongue you may have "overlooked". If any damage has been done by your actions, you will certainly be forgiven by God if you truly repent and hopefully be forgiven by those you have offended; Though the memory of these deeds may accompany you to the grave...and rightly so. And how hard is it to make things right with your past victims? I guess it depends on your willingness to hear the Spirit and how much of a humble servant you 'claim' to be. Still think you could be broken a little more?
Joh:15:17: These things I command you, that ye love one another. (pride killer!)
Ro:13:8: Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law
1Pe:1:22: Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
Yes, indeed! We got back to that love thing again. My, my. Themes recur through every message given by the Spirit of God! Love is the most common thread. Once we've mustered up the guts to see our sin for what it is and repent, we are relying on that greatest of all gifts given to us as a result of the sacrifice of Jesus...love. Jesus Himself. God's Love implemented our very Salvation. Love is the only power in Heaven or Earth that can restrain the Deadly Duo before it causes you or I to destroy someone else AND ourselves, to shipwreck our faith, to destroy our salvation. And when we earnestly love we have an assurance of who we are and where we stand in the Lord...Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1Jo:4:7
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 1Jo:4:12
Not our own version of love is perfected in us, but through the Spirit of God as in 1Pet1:22 - all things through His Spirit, not ours. Remember that? We get in the way don't we?!
Quite a combination: the spirit of Pride and the unbridled monster between the teeth. The power of pride and a tongue controlled by it... a truly deadly duo. Pride is the complete opposite of love. Pride is hatred of God and love of one's self. If Jesus were proud, NOTHING would have gotten Him to that cross! Will your Pride keep you from Heaven? He gave it all up because He loved to OBEY God! Is it in you to do so? When we are truly re-born of God, we know Him, He dwells in us. We're changed. Not blended with our world. That's a fact. Are you changed by His Holy Spirit?
What shall it be saints...God's way or Broadway? Jesus or Hell. It gets narrower as we go... I am right to ask myself the question: how many of us backslidden, backbiting, self absorbed liars who profess Christ and wave His holy Words around like some kind of flag of righteousness, ...are truly saved. Think about it. Examine yourselves.
When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. Proverb:11:2
The Way is definitely narrow. One reason it's narrow is because nothing of this world can be carried along as we journey toward True Life; It has to be left behind. Besides our earthly idols, it includes everything related to our once embraced, sinful ways. We may travel slowly but we must indeed travel light! But travel we must...toward glory or destruction. It's still your choice. Watch your mouths brethren. Guard your thoughts and put a Humility lid on your pride, or some of us may not be able to pull you from the flames you're slipping toward. Strive to enter in at that strait gate which leads to Life and remember that few there be that find it. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 1Th:5:6
I speak as Paul in 2Co:5:11 ...Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
Get on that narrow way with Jesus, or walk away. Humble yourselves, get those shields up and keep to the Road Saints of God. Amen
And remember something, "As scarce as truth is, the supply has always been in excess of the demand."