In the book of James, we read a very descriptive view of the tongue, and about the influence it can have – not only in our lives, but also in the lives of others. From chapter three, we understand that such a small thing can make such a big difference in a situation or circumstance. Proverbs says that a “word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Sometimes a small well thought out word can turn a life around for the good. However, in the same manner, a careless word spoken can be similar to throwing an anchor to someone who’s already drowning.

The Holy Spirit through James uses a horse, a ship, and a fire as his tools to convey God’s message. Let’s take a little glimpse at a ship. The rudder on a ship is very small in comparison to its size, yet it is a very important part. It’s an instrument used for direction and safety. The rudder’s ability to accomplish this task depends upon the helmsman, who is receiving his orders from the navigator; who in turn receives his orders from the captain.

Many years ago, there was a major naval disaster near our old hometown on the Central California Coast. Warships were run aground because of inaccurate navigation equipment and misjudgment on the part of both the navigating officers and the captain of the lead ship. It all began when the lead ship made a left turn to come down the Santa Barbara Channel. Thinking they were further out to sea than they actually were, and with each ship in subsequent order, they followed the lead ship right onto the rocks of Point Conception. Many lives were lost that day.

In like manner, our words will influence the direction others may take. When I was a little child, there was a song I used to sing in Sunday School that went like this: “Be careful little mouth what you say; be careful little mouth what you say; for the Father up above, He is looking down in love, so be careful little mouth what you say.” With our words, we can either throw someone an anchor or a life raft. Let’s choose to be like Jesus! As the old hymn says “O to be like Thee! Full of compassion, loving, forgiving, tender and kind; helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, seeking the wandering sinners to find.”

In Jesus’ Name,
Pastor Dan