Figs, Olives, Grapes, and Words

James 3:12 “My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”

Lord, I am always intrigued when I see in the news paper insert or seed catalog trees that have been grafted so they will bear 5 different kinds of apples.  It is a wonder of horticulture.  But I have never seen one that had grapes and tomatoes on it along with the apples.  Trees and vines are different issues.  The fruits have to be “in kind” in order for the grafting to work.

            When we were in Hawaii visiting our son and his family, we went snorkeling for the first time.  It took some practice to learn to breathe through my mouth while under water (that is not a natural response).  More than once I came up spitting and sputtering because I had ingested salt water.  Once I got the hang of it, it was great fun…like swimming in an aquarium.  However; if I had continued to drink the salt water it would have taken my life.

            So it is with our words.  We all say careless things sometimes that offend or wound.  The unregenerate heart is like that sea of salt water.  But when we trust Christ as Savior and allow Him to be Lord, He changes the salt sea to a fresh water holy “heart spring” by His Spirit.  Hallelujah!  Now it is up to us to allow His Holy Spirit to rule in order for that fresh water to bubble up from our “heart spring”.

            Lord, keep me mindful not to poison my spring.  I would never think to poison the water I drink, why would I want to serve poisoned water to those around me?  May it never be!