- 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
- For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:16-17 – This passage just affirms what I’m seeing first hand in my life, that selfishness brings only pain and brokenness. This pursuit of only you and thinking only of you brings nothing good to your relationships or your witness. God though is seeking things like peace and mercy being created from your life, not disorder and every vile practice. So check yourself today and ask, “Where have I been selfish in my life lately?” Simple question, but if answered and dealt with properly maybe some of the disorder and vile things you’re experiencing will move away. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 738
- With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. James 3:9-10 – Our passage is speaking of the tongue and the words that come out of our mouths. We’re faced with an odd, but true situation. A part of us, our words, have the ability to be deeply praising God or deeply tearing down His creations giving our God a horrible name. Knowing then this is a reality for everyone, which side are you allowing to be seen most of your tongue? With your spouse is your language honoring or dishonoring to your God? With your kids, friends, and authority figures, is the way you speak a way that uplifts Jesus’ name or does it trash it? While scripture is true that the tongue cannot be completely tamed, that doesn’t mean God’s followers can allow their tongue to behave however it wants to. Your words have power to either point people to the glory and love of Jesus or point them away from it. Which path is your words pointing people down? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2130
Daily DEVO 