Stank at the Helm

“Stand at the Helm”

One of the greatest gifts God has blessed us with is the ability to communicate with others. The process seems relatively simple to us, but it is actually a complicated process that we often take for granted. A thought or statement originates in the brain and is then sent over to our vocal cords where air is then moved in coordination together to generate sounds necessary to communicate what we want to say to the recipient. That is putting it simply (I’m no anatomy major) but make no doubt about it, communication and speech is a gift from God. How are we using this gift and blessing? Unfortunately many, even in the Lord’s church, are using it as a form of cursing. I’ve heard of Elders and Deacons coming to blows in a meeting because of their speech. I’ve even experienced the diatribes of speech hurled at me from members of the Lord’s church. Brethren, these things ought not to be so. The book of James, specifically chapter three, gives us insight of just how powerful and influential this otherwise subtle member truly is! In James 3:3-5, He describes how ships are controlled by a rudder and horses are controlled by a bit in the mouth. These are tiny innovations, but has an important purpose! James goes on to say in James 3:7-8 that no man can tame the tongue. It is like a wild animal! Even though it is true that the tongue cannot be tamed, it must be controlled. There is a difference. Tame means no longer wild, while controlled means to have influence or authority over. Despite taming something, it can still have wild in it. The point here is control it! Keep it in check! An unbridled horse with no saddle or bit is a powerful, and sometimes unpredictable animal that you must respect, or you can be seriously injured. A rudder that is designed to turn a ship has an important role as it traverses the sea. If the ship is traveling recklessly or ship lookout or captain is not at the helm, can cause disaster. In the case of the Titanic, the rudder couldn’t steer the largest ship of the world at the time out of harms way as it struck an iceberg on April 15th, 1912 and claimed the lives of nearly 2/3 of the passengers and crew. It was traveling too fast and recklessly through a moonless North Atlantic night. 
The point is, no man can tame the tongue, but we must control it or keep it in check. In our conversations and dealings with people, We MUST purposely and attentively stand at the helm with the wheel or reigns in hand lest the horse goes off course, or we hit an iceberg. Will your words be seasoned with salt or will it escape your mind and heart so quickly that is sparks an ember that ignites an entire forest?