Two-minute read.
Finishing recording the audible book for 4:13 Doing Hard Things with Strength, I devote an entire chapter to controlling your words, which starts by controlling your tongue. James describes the power of the mouth well:
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
James 3:3-6
One of the smallest parts of our body gets us into trouble when we don’t control it. If we don’t stop and think before we speak, unwanted commitments get made, feelings get hurt, and relationships destroyed. With our mouth we confess our sins and belief in Christ. Others use their tongues to deny Jesus and live life separated from Him.
After placing our faith in the Savior, our language should change. Using our words to uplift and encourage other people makes good use of our tongues. Controlling what comes out of our mouths starts by taking time to think about our words and how they will impact the receiver.
Communication has two parts: the sender and the receiver. When we send information, we should always consider the recipient. Taking the time to think about the other person will help us control our tongues and avoid getting into trouble.
Journal Question:
How has your tongue gotten you in trouble?
What tactics do you use to control your tongue?
How can you uplift people with your words today?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving us the ability to speak. Please help us control our tongues and use our words wisely. Let us use uplifting and encouraging words always.
IJNIP. Amen
