Out of the Same Mouth

In this world there is great chaos.

Lord, how your heart must weep

     As you witness
     Time and time and time again
     The ability of Your created ones
     To hurt each other.

 We are all created in Your image.

     In Your likeness
     Designed for the worship and honor
     Of You.

 Yet we neither worship nor honor You.

 We choose to worship another.

     Ourselves.
     Our desires.  Our opinions.
     Our world views.  Our prejudices.

And from our self-worship springs

     Selfishness.
     Disdain.
     Cruelty.
     War.

 We limit Your influence

     To the parts of life we choose.

     Worshipping You when convenient

     Judging others as we please.

We live as lord of our life

     And refuse You this rightful place

Forgive us, Father,

      For we have
      We have

      I have         

      sinned.

With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father. And with it, we curse human beings who have been made in God’s likeness.  Out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing.  My brothers and sisters, this should not be!  Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?  My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives or a grape vine bear figs?  Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.  James 3:9-12