Taming the Beast

I’m not a science major and I can’t begin to explain how a very small rudder can move a huge ship, but it does. The captain can steer the boat right or left by ordering the rudder to be moved. Someone who rides horses would know that you put a bit, a small metal bar, in horse’s mouth so that you’re able to steer that horse in the direction you want it to go.

In James 3, God compares our tongue to that small rudder or bit. He says that the tongue is a small part of our body, but it has huge potential for good or evil. Just as a small spark can set a forest on fire, one word out of our mouth can start a rumor, destroy someone’s life or self-esteem. The Word goes on to say that even though we can tame wild animals, we’ve yet to learn to tame the tongue. We’re seen in church praising God, praying for people and then on Monday, we cuss someone who cuts us off in traffic, or we verbally attack someone who has hurt us. James 3:10-11 says, “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?” The answer SHOULD be “no,” but unfortunately, when it comes to the tongue, the answer is “sometimes.”

We must learn to use our tongues in a more positive way. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Take the challenge…try to go a whole day without saying anything negative. Try only to speak positively about every person you encounter or situation that arises. You’ll be amazed at how hard that really is, but how wonderful it feels…when you learn to tame the beast.