Just as we all have a natural tendency to pursue leadership and authority, so also we have a natural tendency to speak often. Unfortunately, these two tendencies in our lives work together to get us into a lot of trouble. We begin to say things that make us look better, and we begin to say things that make our superiors look worse. Or we speak on subjects of which we are not knowledgeable in order to look competent. Why does this all happen? James tells us in todays passage [James 3:3-6] that it is often the small things that direct the big ones. -Bible Study- James begins by writing three analogies to highlight how the small things in life are the ones which give direction to the larger. 1. He first speaks about how placing a bit into a horses mouth gives the rider the leadership to tell the horse where to go. For some reason, this tiny little bar gives us the power to direct the massive horse. 2. He then speaks about how a tiny little rudder gives the captain of a ship the power to direct a vessel that is much, much bigger than him. Whats the point of these analogies? James tells us that the tongue is the same way for a human life. Though it is small, it guides and directs the path of the whole human life (for better or worse). And it is not simply the muscle that we know as the tongue; instead, it is communication. The way we communicate with God and with others will direct the outcome of our lives no matter how hard we try to work against it. 3. This brings James to his third analogy: a spark and a fire. It only takes a small spark to form a giant, destructive, unstoppable force that we know today as fire. Because we are in a fallen world, we are full of imperfections and sin. The tongue is the muscle that enables us to communicate from our hearts. And if our hearts are full of sin, that is what will come out as a fire from our tongues, and it will destroy us. -Application- The wickedness of our communication is only compounded as we try to maneuver and jockey for power and authority. It makes you think a little more about what James said in the first chapter about being slow to speak doesnt it? I was reading a book the other day that challenged me with regards to the way I communicate, and I hope it will challenge you as well. Instead of speaking what is on your mind, it said to think through what you were going to say before you say it. Hear what it may sound like to the listener and correct it accordingly. Will you take the time to think first and pause in your speaking in order to communicate well? It will certainly slow down your speech.
Posted on: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 15:22:47 +0000
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