The Power of Words

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. - from James 3:3-5   This week we’ll be listening to James’ teaching on the importance (and difficulty) of taming the tongue. Throughout James’ letter he uses rich imagery to invite us into a conversation about a lived-out faith. He reaches his illustrative peak in the section of his letter that we’ll be looking at this week.   James points to horses and ships to help us understand the power of our tongues. Horses tower over us and weigh more than us but can be turned by us through the use of a small bit. Huge ships, even in the face of strong winds, go where the rudder directs them. Where do you think James is headed with this analogy?   The horse doesn’t get to go wherever it wants. Neither does the ship. Both go where they’re told to go. As the bit is to the horse and the rudder is to the ship, so the tongue is to the body. Our tongues have a huge impact on our lives.   Research psychologists have found that people who make strong, public, verbal commitments are more likely to follow through with them than people who make private commitments. To use James’ words, our tongues (ie. our verbal commitments) steer and turn our bodies (ie. our behavior).   What verbal commitments have you made that have proven to be a blessing to you? What verbal commitments have you made that have proven unwise? Where have you experienced your “boasts” guiding your life?

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