NOVEMBER 3

War of Words, Part 3

Bible Reading: Galatians 5:16-26

Matthew 12:34, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” 

James wrote that “But no man can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). Years ago, I served in the US Navy aboard a submarine. There is a reason that there is a saying which speaks of “cursing like a sailor.” You can probably imagine the degree of complaining and cursing and vindictive speech that might exist in that underwater, sun-deprived, environment. My buddy, Darwin, and I once tried an experiment. We ventured to go through a day without complaining or speaking evil. Of course—you know what happened—as it wasn’t long until our tongues had their own way. We all know the truth of it! Human tongues cannot be tamed. Jesus traced the “tongue” problem to our hearts, saying, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak” (Matthew 12:34-37).

The key, then, to having tongues that speak as they should, is to have a tongue that speaks according to our new nature in Christ.  We speak as Jesus would have us, when we speak not according to our human nature or fleshly tendencies, but according to the indwelling Spirit and the Word.  We still have the flesh; left to our own devices, we will speak accordingly.  Such speech is characterized by “enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions” (Galatians 5:20).  But by the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit (Christlike virtue), is born in us.  As we walk by the Spirit, our speech is consistent to who Christ is, and is characterized by “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7).  Likewise, Ephesians 5:18-19 and Colossians 3:16 speak to the worshipful and edifying words that characterize the lives of those whose hearts are “filled up” with the Spirit and the Word.

We live in a day where hateful words and insults fill the airwaves and too many conversations. And that’s sadly true in too many “Christian” homes and churches!  Even Christians toss fireworks into tinder dry regions. The fires started, then quickly spread to destroy relationships and dishonor God.  A raging firestorm exists in the spiritual realm—a raging firestorm set on fire by hell itself (James 3:6).  Are you a Firestarter or a firefighter?  We’ve got to stop with the insults and name-calling that are so commonplace in our day (Matthew 5:21-22; Ephesians 4:29) and focus instead on the living out and sharing the good news.  We are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).  We are His representatives!  Imagine an ambassador being sent out from our country to another.  How long would he last in that role if he only cursed and insulted his fellow ambassadors and the people of the country to whom he was sent?  As citizens of heaven, we ambassadors for Christ bear a message of reconciliation in the gospel.  Let’s share that and words that are always filled “with grace” (Colossians 4:6)! 

I remember how I once started a day in Uganda by singing to myself these words, “Take my lips and let it be, filled with messages from Thee.”  That was my prayer for that day—as it should be for every day—that the Spirit might do with my lips what I could never do on my own.  What a divine privilege, to be speak for God in truth and in love—words that heal, and not hurt.

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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