The Tongue Can Make Or Break You Series

James says that if we can lead without offending, then we are perfect. Well, needless to say, no one I’ve ever met is perfect. But this isn’t talking about offending people with the truth of the gospel. If the truth offends, then that’s what it’s meant to do. It’s not always pleasant to learn that there’s sin at the door, but its necessary. That’s a healing offense.

What James is saying is that if we can just learn to control the tongue, not spreading gossip, or not saying things that offend people when we shouldn’t, then we are getting a little closer to perfection. I am convinced also, that this kind of perfection can only be attained through perfect love. If we truly love someone, then we will do our best not to offend them in any way.

Let me tell you that, according to these verses in James, if you can just learn to gain control over your tongue, then you will be a very disciplined person. The tongue is the last frontier in your life. Conquering it will be your greatest battle. If you can conquer your tongue then you are able to control yourself in every way. That’s something that we all can strive for.

James 3:3-4, "Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth."

The horse is a great animal, strong and useful, but without a bit, it can’t be controlled to do its work. So it is with you and I. If we can’t even control our own tongue, how can we expect to lead others?

Just as a rudder on a ship can turn it in any direction, so can the tongue turn the things of life. We can make life easy, or we can make it hard, all by the use of the tongue. Your life is that ship. You are that horse after a fashion. Where are you allowing your tongue to guide you?