Tuesday, October 4, 2011

3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
James 3:3-4

Have you ever been on a huge ship?  Isn’t it amazing how such a big ship is directed with such a relatively small rudder, and generally by just one person.

It’s the same with horses.  Have you ever seen Clydesdale horses?  They are gigantic.  They could easily physically dominate most human beings that would try to control them.  Yet the bridle (which ironically goes in their mouths) allow even the smallest of jockey’s or riders to reign them in and use them for whatever purpose is needed.

Both of these examples speak to the control that just a small part can have.  James says that our tongues are like that.  The words we use can end up controlling us.  We make a promise that we shouldn’t have with our mouths, and now it affects our entire bodies and schedules.  We make a comment, and as a result we reap a reputation that is positive or negative.  We tell a lie, and lose friends, jobs, livelihoods, and relationships.  The tongue is small, but the consequences of our words are not.

Application:

Now this is not just a bad thing.  It can be a good thing!  Our words can be used to do incredible.  So here is a challenge- Take a few moments to talk to God.  I even challenge you to speak out loud to God if you can.  Use your words to talk to God!  Secondly, purposely use your words today to say something to encourage someone in your life.  Are you ready to take this challenge?  Alright…Get ready, Get set…GO!