Today's daily devotion

Worthless Religion

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.—JAMES 1:26 NIV

Perhaps you’ve had a hard time balancing your faith and your work. Maybe the person you’re caring for pushes you to the very limit, causing you to spout off when you should just retreat and pray.

Oh, the tongue! What a wonderful, yet dangerous, tool it is. It can be used both to bless and to curse (James 3:10). And when you’re caring for someone in need, particularly if you’re exhausted, it’s not uncommon for your tongue to get away from you. You might find yourself saying things you know you shouldn’t or reacting in an ugly way.

If you’re struggling with sharp retorts or language laced with bitterness, ask the Lord to tame your tongue. If you don’t get it under control, then your religion is worthless, according to the scripture above.