“When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.” (James 3:3-5)
James just made a huge statement at the end of yesterday’s verse: If you can perfectly control your words, you can control everything else in your life. In fact, you’re perfect.
Doubtful? He has examples. One small bit turns an enormous horse. One small rudder turns a giant ship. If James were writing in the age of computer microprocessors, imagine all the small things he could have pointed to that control much bigger things.
Especially in the age of constant electronic communication, your words drive your whole life. Get control what you say (write, text, type, tweet, blog, etc.), and you’ll have the rest of your life mastered. Lose control over your words, and . . . tune in tomorrow.
Think: How hard do you work at controlling the kinds of words you say and the meaning attached to them? How effective are you at controlling your words all of the time?
Pray: Thank God for the power of words; ask Him to help you learn to be wise about how you use that power.
Do: Make a list of all the different ways you use words to communicate. For example, talking, texting, etc.