Proclaimer Blog
The leader and his tongue
We’re off on a Cornhill+ study conference this week with a small handful of students. The aim is to do so some focused work and praying on Christian leadership. Steve Wilmshurst and I will be leading our happy band and this year we’re joined by Andy Upton to come and assist. These are normally precious times: the honour of teaching others and learning and growing myself.
This year I’m leading a session on the tongue: i.e. our speech. I’m convinced this is a much neglected topic when it comes to leadership (which seems to focus so much on the doing of leadership). But speech is at the heart of what it means to be a leader. I take it that’s why James 3.2-12 follows James 3.1. “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” is then followed by James’ well-known words about what we say.
These two must not be divorced. Of course, there are general truths for everyone about speech, but James is particularly concerned to connect leadership and control of the tongue together and we must not break the link. Paul has the same concern for leaders, “Set an example for the believers in speech…” (1 Tim 4.12).
I find this a challenging area. Here are some diagnostic questions to help.
Is my speech wholesome? All Christians are called to speak words that are pure.
Is my speech hypocritical? Too many of us are one thing to some, and another to others.
Is my speech hasty? The Scriptures counsel us to think before we speak.
Is my speech constructive? Paul is strong on this in Ephesians – only speak what builds others up.
Is my speech true? Gossip, slander – these are serious sins which the pastor must put to death.
God help me.