magine gripping an Olympic barbell, its cold steel pressing into your palms. Now, with every word you speak, imagine spotters steadily adding weight—one pound at a time. Each phrase makes the bar pounds heavier until it becomes unbearable. That’s the kind of weight spiritual leadership carries. This devotional is about 1100 words long. Just imagine trying to deadlift that—not a chance, right? That would be an record, If I were able to lift it. And yet, that’s the reality of teaching God’s truth. In James 3:1-2, we’re reminded that those who teach will be judged with greater strictness. So, how do we step up to the bar without being crushed? Let’s dig into that together. Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is James 3:1-2. Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. — James 3:1-2 James opens this chapter with a warning: not everyone should aspire to be a teacher. And what is his reason? Teaching God’s Word comes with weightier spiritual responsibility and accountability because it carries the power to shape others’ faith and lives. Misusing this gift can cause spiritual harm, so James emphasizes the weightier judgment for teachers. And honestly, these verses have always humbled and incited a holy fear in me—which is necessary for the spiritual teacher. Just so you know, I think about this every day as I approach God's Word—if I am rightly handling the weight of the Word. I do my very best to dig deep and let God's Word speak precisely as the original author intended so that I make applications to our lives that are as surgically correct as possible. But even though James warns spiritual teachers about the weight, he also acknowledges a universal truth: we all stumble or struggle to bear the burden of the weight, which reminds teachers and every one of us with a mouth about the weight of our words. For the Disperions of believers James addressed, this was a warning about the dangers of false teaching and spiritual pride. In a time of persecution and fragile church communities, their words mattered deeply. Teachers had to rely on God’s truth, not their cleverness or ambition, to guide others rightly. Today, this truth is just as critical. God's Word reveals the way, the truth, and the life. Whether you are teaching it from a pulpit, leading from it in a small group, or mentoring someone one-on-one, the weight of your words about God's Word is real. Here’s the key I always try to remember when communicating God’s Word: it’s not about my ability or strength to carry its weight. When I teach the Word, I rely on the All-Powerful God who spoke it. I let its weight rest on me and then share it with you. In the end, my prayer is that we both entrust our lives to the One who can truly bear that weight—Jesus Christ. Here’s the good news: Jesus came to carry the burden we could never bear. He lived the perfect life we couldn’t live—He never stumbled in word, action, or thought. And on the cross, He bore the crushing weight of sin for you and me, paying the price so we could be free from its burden. Today, you have the opportunity to let go of that unbearable weight. Jesus invites you with these words: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). You can let go of the barbell. All you need to do is surrender to Him. Confess your need for His grace. Believe in Him as your Savior. And follow Him as your Lord. If you’re ready to make that decision, pray this with me: “Jesus, I can’t carry this weight anymore. I’ve stumbled in many ways and need your forgiveness. Thank you for living the perfect life and dying for my sins. I believe you rose again, conquering sin and death. Today, I surrender my life to you. Be my Savior and my Lord. Amen.” If you just prayed this prayer for the first time, welcome to God’s family! If you prayed because you needed to let go of some burdens again, praise the Lord! I want to walk alongside you on your discipleship journey. Follow us here daily as we grow together in God’s Word and learn to trust Him more deeply. #SpiritualLeadership, #JesusOurStrength, #WordOfGod ASK THIS: How can you better rely on God’s strength when teaching or sharing His Word?What burdens do you need to surrender to Jesus today?How have your words impacted others spiritually this week?What steps can you take to ensure your teaching aligns with God’s truth? DO THIS: Let Jesus take the weight of the burden. PRAY THIS: Lord, I surrender the weight of my words and my life to You. Help me trust Your strength and speak Your truth faithfully. Amen PLAY THIS: Burdens.
