The Small Part

James 3:

If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.

What would life be like if we could tame our tongues? I like the analogies used in these verses.

Horses require bits in their mouths so that we can get them to obey our commands.  We do this, because otherwise we can’t ride and stay on a horse that is wild.  The bit enables the horse and the rider to ride as one.

Ships that set sail on the seas are huge, and without a rudder directed by the pilot, the ship would wander off course and perhaps disappear forever.  What a waste of a vessel full of people and cargo, headed for a specific destination.

It shouldn’t be any wonder then that so many verses in the bible speak to us about how we speak to others, and how important it is that we speak life.

In order for us to be one with God, steady in our course, not tossed around and lost, we have to be guided effectively and safely. 

And the tongue, though a small part of our body, can agree with or disagree with what the  Word says…and end up in a good place…or a bad place.

More tomorrow…