3 Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide the whole animal. 4 And consider ships: Though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things.
A bit in the mouth of a horse, controls him, a small rudder on a large ship controls the direction of the ship. As I was reflecting on these verses, I thought about what controls my tongue. Words spoken or written can be so powerful. Words can change lives both positively and negatively.
Control my emotions, control my words
I can control the words I say by controlling my emotions. My words become more careless and thoughtless the more out of control my emotions are. If I am angry, my words reflect the anger in my heart, if I am happy, my words reflect that also. Keeping my emotions in check is just as hard as controlling my tongue, but I think they are connected. I can do a better job of managing my words, if I am maintaining my relationship with Christ. I need to be in The Word daily and use His Word as an example for my words.
This is a minute by minute pursuit some days and lots of days, I just don’t get it right, but I can try again with the very next exchange.
Lord, help me to stay grounded to Your Word, so that I can control my tongue and direct the words that I use to be uplifting and affirming. Amen
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jas 3:3–5). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
