This week, the book of James was calling my name. Have you ever said something and wished with all your heart that you could reel it back in and erase the memory of your words in the minds of everyone who heard what you said? 

I am, sadly, an expert in this field. The book of James –in its original Greek version-- was addressed, “Dear Paula….”

The funny part is that even as I’m speaking something crazy, I know the words coming out of my mouth are just wrong. And then I start digging an even bigger hole, trying to explain whatever train of thought left the station without an engineer on board.

All of us do this occasionally. And we’ve been on the other side of it, too.

Many years ago, during an employee review, an employee kind of lost it and shouted, “Any moron would know that I should not be doing the filing”. Of course, I was the moron in question. And the one signing the paycheck. I know that employee wished those words could be reeled back in…or that the Harry Potter spell OBLIVIATE would erase my memory.

Regardless of why those moments happen, or what we say, or what is said to us,  words carry meaning. James is saying, ‘When you are speaking as a leader, a teacher, a preacher, a parent, an official, anyone in a place of perceived authority, your words --and their meaning-- are amplified…for better or for worse.

Most of the time, we are consciously thoughtful about what we are saying and the audience to whom we are speaking. But we are not perfect. 

Last week, I participated in a study of this text. After we read the version printed in today’s bulletin, one person asked, “Where is the grace in this?”

And then we read the same Scripture as interpreted in The Message.

"Don’t be in any rush to become a teacher, my friends. Teaching is highly responsible work. Teachers are held to the strictest standards. And none of us is perfectly qualified. We get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths."

None of us is perfectly qualified.

All of us are in need of grace.

We have entered a challenging time in our nation—a presidential election season.  Advertisements and memes and podcasts fill our TVs, ipads, radio stations, and cell phones. While I was writing this sermon on Friday, I had four political phone calls—in the span of 8 hours. It will be relentless until it is over.

And here’s some good news:  it will be over in 50+ days.

During that time, James is whispering into our ears: You are followers of Jesus. Your words…your actions…carry meaning…and that meaning will be amplified because you are followers of the way.

We have a distinct opportunity to set ourselves apart from the rancor of this moment, and to refocus our energy on the Kingdom of God on Earth.

We can turn off the television and volunteer at the West Side Food pantry or Southwest Food pantry. We can choose to not engage with Facebook posts and instead spend time helping low-income families do their laundry next Saturday at Laundry Love. We can choose to go visit a friend, or call someone who’s alone. We can ride with Ben and deliver Meals on Wheels.

We can choose to have our words and our actions carry meaning that points toward the Risen Christ. It is, in my opinion, the most authentic form of evangelism….no door knocking required. Together, we can be that Light in our community, in our families, and in our friendships.

A few days after my staff member’s evaluation, I received a request to sit down together and talk. I really didn’t want to sit down with someone who had erupted in a tirade and called me names. My administrative assistant, who knows me well, said, “You will do this.” [Me:] “NO I WON’T” “Yes you will…because you need to forgive her and she needs to experience that kind of grace.”

We did meet; and our relationship as both friend and colleague was restored.   

None of us are perfectly qualified.  All of us are in need of grace.

James asks: Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water?  Or does a fig tree produce olives? The answer, of course, is no.

We cannot profess to be followers of Jesus and immerse ourselves exclusively in the divisive political ways of our time. 

He is challenging us to live, speak, and act in ways that reflect and amplify the Love and grace of Christ in us. He is challenging us to participate in the Kingdom of God on earth.

And here’s some good news:  This is a kingdom will not be over in 50 days or so. God’s kingdom is eternal.

Amen.