Why Magufuli administration misses the point on Government splurge

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4. Tongue

One of the tests of your character is your tongue. James has a great deal to say on the subject of the tongue. Keep a tight rein on the tongue. Get your mouth under control (v.26).
He writes, ‘Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for human anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you’ (vv.19–21).
The word of God has the power to transform you. You need to allow time for God’s word to be planted firmly in you, to hear it and then do what it says. Rather than speaking too much, listen to God’s word and get rid of all the bad stuff in your life.
Listening in itself, though, is not enough. ‘Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says’ (v.22). If you do what it says, you will ‘be blessed’ (v.25). This includes looking after orphans and widows and keeping yourself from being polluted by the world (v.27).

Lord, help me today to keep a tight rein on my tongue. Help me to listen, especially to the word of God.



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5. Turn

God’s will is for ‘all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth’ (1 Timothy 2:4).
The word ‘turn’ or ‘turns’ appears seven times in Ezekiel 33. God appointed Ezekiel as a watchman. He was to be held accountable. God told him to ‘warn the wicked to turn from their ways’ (Ezekiel 33:9).
Provided you speak the message God gives you, you are not responsible for the results. Ezekiel was only responsible if he failed to give the warning (vv.8–9).
This is an important reminder about family, friends and those you know who are not followers of Jesus, for example, guests on Alpha. Your responsibility is to love them, encourage them and give them the opportunity to hear the gospel. It is hugely disappointing when they do not respond positively. However, do not take the burden of their decisions on your own shoulders.
The message Ezekiel was told to give was this: if a righteous person leaves the path and turns to wickedness, their former righteousness will not help them. Yet, however ‘wicked’ a person has been, if they turn to the Lord, they will be forgiven (v.12).
God says, ‘I take no pleasure from the death of the wicked. I want the wicked to change their ways and live. Turn your life around! Reverse your evil ways!’ (v.11, MSG).
God wants everyone to repent of their sins and start ‘living a righteous and just life – being generous to the down-and-out, restoring what [was] stolen, cultivating life-nourishing ways that don’t hurt others… living a just and righteous life’ (vv.15–19, MSG).

Lord, help me to turn from evil and find life, and then to see others doing that in their lives – on Alpha, in our church and in churches all around the world – that many, many people may turn to you and find life.



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James 1:27
‘... keep oneself from being polluted by the world.’
Someone once told me it takes two weeks to get pollution out of our lungs.
It is even more important to keep our spiritual lungs clean. It doesn’t mean you can’t work in a polluted area, but you have to be more careful not to get contaminated. We need lots of spiritual fresh air.


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