Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! James 3:4-5 – I love this question that a commentator proposed over these verses. When it comes to the tongue, who is in control? We see the illustration of a ship being directed by the small rudder, but remember someone is likely in control of that rudder steering it which way to go. In our life, who then is the one behind the controls of our tongue? It is our emotions and whatever our emotions in that moment tell us to say we say? Is there no one at the controls and we allow our words to have no filter and no thought before they come out? Or is Jesus the one we’ve allowed ultimate control of our words? When we allow Jesus and His word be the one steering the “boat” of our mouth, this is when we see the beautiful ways our words can be used take place. Our words our filled with love and encouragement. Our words build each other up and direct others to deeper walks with God. Yet when we or the world are the ones at the helm of our words, only destruction comes from this. How great the damage that can be caused by a forest fire, even one that just started with a single spark. Today, check who is at the helm of your tongue. Is your tongue controlled by your emotions in the moment or is Jesus the one whose been given ultimate control? If you’re unsure one how to answer that, look at the wake your words have had this past week. Has there been life or destruction as a result of your words? My prayer is that Jesus is at the helm of your tongue and life is being given to others through your words. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3200
Question To Ponder: How have you seen words build another person up?
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