"GREEK FIRE"

          "The tongue ia a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is set 

           among our members that it defile the whole body, and sets

               on fire the course of nature; and  it is set on fire by hell. 

                                                 JAMES 3:6

Greek fire was a chemical solution that was used in ancient warfare by the Byzantine Empire against its enemies. According to the one online source. It was developed around AD672 and was used with devastating effect especially in the sea warfare because it could be burn on water. What was Greek fire? Its actual chemical composition remains a mystery. It was such a valuable military weapon that the formula was kept an absolute secret and was lost to the ravages of history. Today reseachers continue to try to replicate that ancient formula, but without success.

        One source of catastrophic destruction among believers in Christ, however. Is not a mystery. James tells us that the source of ruin in our relationship is often a very different kind of fire. He wrote. "The tongue is a fire, a worlf of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body" (James 3:6). Those strong words remind us how damaging unguarded words can be to those around you.

       Instead of creating the kind of verbal "Greek fire" that can destroy relationships, families, and churches, let's yield our tongue to the Holy Spirit's control and allow ours words to glorify the Lord.