Saddle Up

James 1:26-27 (NIV) - If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

Have you ever watched a child ride horses? A horse is about 10 times bigger than the child but a skilled rider can turn the horse wherever they will. The secret is the bit which is placed in the horse’s mouth. It doesn’t take much to turn a big ship or a horse, a well placed rudder or bit can change the course for good or bad. I have been on a horse with no bit and it is not fun! No matter how much energy you exert that beast will go where it wants. Trying to serve God and live holy without controlling the tongue is much the same. We can paint the picture of a holy life and wear all of the “Christian” attire but a tongue that spreads gossip, lies, and filth will always reveal the true heart. Scripture tells us that from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. If our hearts are filled with love and joy our mouths will be filled with praise but if our hearts are filled with envy and jealousy our mouths will be filled destruction. Words reveal the heart, this is why our tongue is the best barometer of our spiritual health.