and their religion is worthless” (1:26). One of the marks of authentic Christian behaviour is control of our speech. James begins chapter 3 with a warning for would-be pastors: “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (3:1). He is talking about teaching in the church, and warns that we shouldn’t rush into this kind of role. Teachers will be judged more strictly because they have the capacity to do particular damage
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