What part of the body is compared to a rudder of a ship in James chapter 3?
- We know it has to be a small part relative to the body as a rudder is to a ship.
- We know that this part of the body will ultimately determine ones destination in life.
- We know that very small changes in the position of the rudder will affect the vessel greatly over a long period of time as will small things that come out of our mouth.
It is of course, the tongue. If misused, the tongue can cause a great crash in our own life or in the lives of those around us. The tongue can also be as dangerous as the small spark that causes the devastation of a huge forest fire. That spark can be ignited against the simple flint of jealousy, greed, ignorance, or revenge, amidst a conversation in the hallway. The devastation may come in the form of exaggeration, gossip, putting others down, bragging, manipulation, false teachings, complaints, or lies.
This passage in James clearly says that the purpose of the tongue is to Praise our Lord. We should not use the same tongue to bring others down. Try this little exercise this week:
- Practice building others up as they are made in God’s image.
- Encourage them, and expect nothing in return.
- Share the truth (from Scripture) as you visit with friends.
- Exhort friends to do good things and to bless others.
The tongue is the strongest muscle in the human body!! May yours be strengthened as you exercise it correctly!
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