Day 13 — A Tiny Spark

“When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze.”

— James 3:3–5 (BSB)

A horse weighs over a thousand pounds. It’s big and strong enough to throw you off its back. But a rider can steer it with a small metal bar in its mouth called a bit.

A giant ship might be as long as three football fields. But it’s steered by a rudder, a small flat piece underneath the back of the ship. Turn the rudder a little bit, and the whole ship changes direction.

And then James gives the scariest example of all. One tiny spark from a campfire can land on some dry leaves and start a forest fire that burns thousands of acres. Something very small can cause something very, very big.

James says your tongue is like that. It’s one of the smallest parts of your body. But the words that come out of your mouth can change the direction of your whole life. And they can start fires that are really hard to put out.

Think about it. One mean comment can wreck a friendship. One lie can destroy trust. One rumor can spread through a whole school in a single day. And sadly, hurtful words can stick in someone’s memory for years.

But it works the other way too! A few kind words can make someone’s whole day. One word of encouragement can give a friend the courage to keep going. Words can heal, build up and point people to Jesus.

A little later, James says something that should make us stop and think. “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness… this should not be!” It doesn’t make sense to sing to God on Sunday and then say cruel things to people He made on Monday.

This week, we’re going to look at how to use this small but powerful part of us for good.

Think about it: Can you remember a time when someone’s words, good or bad, stuck with you for a long time?

Try this: Pay attention to every word you say today. Before bed, ask yourself: Did my words start fires or put them out?

Dear God, my tongue is small, but it’s powerful. Forgive me for the times my words have hurt others. Help me use my words to build up, encourage and point people to You. Guard my mouth today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.