Horses and Ships… Can we really control them?
If you’ve ever been close to a horse you’d agree with me when I say that they are powerful and majestic animals. They are an especially awesome sight when they are being exercised in an arena! The nostrils flare up taking in much needed air; the muscles grow intense as they are worked and ran; their main thrusts around; and their skin glistens with sweat. The power exerted by a horse is incredible and can leave one speechless!
If you’ve ever been on a cruise, or even better, had the privilege of taking a tour of the engine and control room of a large ship, then I’m sure you’d also say what miracle it is that ships of great sizes float and move so fast through the seas. Have you ever seen boat races on TV? Have you ever seen a U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier? It’s amazing when we begin to think about how these ships can move about the water with such accuracy and speed.
The Bible tells us in James chapter 3 that a horse is driven by placing a bit in its mouth and a ship is directed by a very small rudder. A horse that is so powerful and majestic can be controlled and made to do what we intend it to do by a small piece of metal in its mouth. A ship’s captain can make sure the ship is taken to intended locations so that war planes can depart to fulfill missions and return to refuel safely.
Like the bit and the rudder, two small items controlling and directing, the tongue can move people, societies and nations, it is more powerful than the bit and the rudder put together. James 3 tells us that the tongue can defile the whole body; the tongue can bless and curse; and, the tongue is a fire!
Do you ever find yourself talking about someone else… negatively? Have you said something to someone at the wrong time; condescendingly; or, said something you should not have altogether? Have you yelled, exaggerated, or distorted a message? Then ask the Lord to “bridle” your tongue today, at this very moment, for with it we can curse, but we can also bless others and honor the Lord!
Remember today and tomorrow that what you say can never be removed, so speak blessings because the Bible says that “love covers a multitude of sins”.
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” – James 1:19 NLT
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