“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.” James 2: 8-9

When James uses the metaphor of a ship at sea being steered by a small rudder, it immediately resonates with me.  At work I recently gave a mentee advice using the metaphor of a navigator steering a ship across an open ocean. But in my metaphor, I didn’t consider how powerful the tongue is.  

A good set of maps, a compass, and a spyglass are important tools used to navigate a ship across the ocean.  But no matter how good my navigational tools are or how accurate my maps, without a rudder I will never reach my destination. Likewise, living a life integrated with Jesus is difficult to reach if my words aren’t integrated with his Way. 

Taming my tongue doesn’t just mean I don’t swear, yell, or belittle someone.  My tongue can express pain and sadness, joy and happiness, disappointment and regret, or words of praise.  Words have the power to steer my course, but they are also powerful tools that can wound and damage others.  Those hearing me speak should see that I value the people I’m speaking to, and that I recognize others as fellow children of God, people that Jesus loves deeply.  

When I have tough conversations at work, the words and ideas that leave my mouth must be spoken by someone who has a strong foundation in Jesus.  I don’t allow my tongue to slip into “business mode” just because I’m not at church.

As a parent, I use words of love and encouragement with my children.  But even when discipline is needed, my tongue should be guided by the love Jesus has for all children.

When I meet new people at church, my tongue should steer me beyond just, “Hi.” My words encourage and welcome them to our place of worship and into the community.  

If I’m in my car, stuck in traffic, and running late, what comes out of my mouth still matters.   Even when I’m alone, the wrong words coming off my tongue can still negatively influence me.

In all these examples, my destination is clear.  I want to sail towards a life where my faith and my love of Jesus are integrated into everything I do.  And like James, I need to see my tongue as a valuable tool to steer me along that course.

Controlling your tongue is challenging! But pick a specific spot this week in your life where you struggle with your tongue: At work, with a family member, or in a space online.  Ask Jesus to help you use your tongue as a rudder that steers your language closer to him.