Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. (James 3:1-5 ESV) 

It all started when I was barely six years old. I was given horseback riding lessons for Christmas because I suddenly went from being infatuated with dinosaurs to begging for a horse. After I took lessons for a couple of years, I was surprised when I received my own horse, Stitch. I have never given up my love of horses and all things equestrian; I competed in competitions (horse shows), learned many things about horses and their “gear”, and taught second-graders all about horses. 

Now, let’s pretend I am sitting up on my horse and walking around the arena. Sometimes, there’s not much to think about or people to talk to, so I ponder this week’s Connect Devotional passage. Couldn’t James just say, ‘Watch your words for they affect your actions’?” While this seems to be an accurate summary of this passage, I now see why James used these analogies instead. Just that plain statement is boring, and it won’t stick in your head very long. However, when an analogy or two are applied, it paints a very vivid picture of what to do or how to act. 

In this case, James uses the analogy of a horse and a bit. A bit is a sometimes twisted piece of metal (occasionally leather) that is placed in a horse’s mouth. The bit is connected to the bridle (the leather equipment on its head) and the reins (which you hold). From this, you can steer the horse, starting with its head, and eventually turn its entire body. 

As James tells us, our words are very similar. If we don’t rein them in, they eventually affect our actions and relationships with people and with God. 

I gather my reins in my hands and I turn Stitch in a couple of circles. “So… when I steer Stitch, it is like when I use my words to control how I act around others!” I say to myself.

How can you rein in your words, or keep them reined in, so as to better your relationships with others and God?