NOVEMBER 1

War of Words, Part 1

Bible Reading: James 3:1-12

James 3:5, “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.  How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!”

Though definitely not the largest of Oregon forest fires, the Eagle Creek fire of September 2017 will be long remembered for the widespread devastation and distress it caused.  It was first reported on September 2nd.  By the morning of the next day, it had grown to 3000 acres and had trapped 153 hikers, forcing them to spend the night in the woods. On September 5th, it hopped across the wide Columbia River and started a fire on the Washington side.  The community of Cascade Locks was evacuated, with 283 structures and 15 businesses being threatened by the fire.  The fire also threatened historical structures in the Columbia River gorge, including the iconic and much-visited Multnomah Falls Lodge.   Nearby salmon hatcheries were forced to move or release early hundreds of thousands of fish.  The main east-west thoroughfare in the region, Interstate 84, was shut down for days, and maritime traffic on the Columbia River was shut down for 20 miles.  In a month, the fire had consumed some 50,000 acres.  The popular hiking trails in that area are shutdown indefinitely. 

How did it begin?  Witnesses reported seeing a group of teenagers lighting fireworks and throwing them into the Eagle Creek Canyon.  Oregon State Police later got cell phone video footage that showed a 15-year-old boy throwing the smoking firecracker that had started the fire.  Do you suppose that teen could have imagined the extent of destruction that would be caused by that foolhardy stunt?  That’s the imagery James uses in his indictment of the human tongue— “How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! (James 3:5).”

There is something very wrong with our tongues.  The indictment of the tongue in James chapter 3 is unequivocal and universal.  The tongue is small, but powerful.  It is set on fire by hell itself.  We can tame big animals, but the tongue is untamable.  Though able to bless God, it is ready and all-too willing to curse those made in His image.  There is plenty of empirical evidence to prove the Bible’s assertion regarding the tongue’s evil proclivities — in marriages, families, churches, communities and across our country—a “forest fire” of sorts is raging even now.  Untamable tongues set fires.  They cause misery and destruction.

The problem with the human tongue goes back a long way.  We read of it in Genesis chapter 3.  The Devil deceived Eve and she succumbed to temptation.  Then Adam too.  That fateful day unleashed a sin contagion.  The effect on Adam and Eve became immediately obvious.  God confronted Adam.  His response?  “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate” (Genesis 3:12).  Eve blamed the serpent.  Deception, accusations, and blame-shifting—and a host of other tongue troubles—are all rooted in that day, and in all of us, in Adam (Romans 5:12).

God’s indictment on sinful humanity in Romans 3:11-18 focuses especially on the destructive nature of our tongues.  Romans 3:13-18, “Their throat is an open grave, with their tongues they keep deceiving, the poison of asps is under their lips; Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness; Their feet are swift to shed blood, Destruction and Misery are in their paths, and the path of peace they have not known.   There is no fear of God before their eyes.”  God’s indictment was consistent to Isaiah’s own self appraisal when God unveiled the glory of His holiness to him.  Isaiah witnessed the angels doing what they were created to do—worshipping God in His awesome holiness.  His assessment?  “Woe is me, for I am ruined!  Because I am ruined!  Because I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:5).  Any honest, Spirit-led appraisal will work to bring any of us to a similar conclusion.

The taming of a tongue cannot happen apart from God’s intervention.  The good news is that Jesus is not just able to save us, but to work a change in us that will transform both our lives and our lips.  Hurtful words are common fare in this sin-cursed world. How precious then are the words of those who are Spirit-led to speak truth in love, building up instead of tearing down!

Take my voice and let me sing always, only for my King
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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