Can you imagine how hard it would be to control a car if the steering wheel came off? It may have a powerful engine, perhaps even a “hemi”, but all that power would be dangerous without a throttle or a steering wheel. Someone said that the problem is not the steering wheel but the nut behind the wheel.

In the same manner how much damage and destruction can be done by the smallest member of our body – namely the tongue. During World War II the government warned our citizens that “loose lips sink ships”. The tongue may be a small part of our body but it can sink more than a ship.

The Word of God has much to say about the tongue. Your tongue is a barometer of true religion. “If any man among you seems to be religious and bridles not his tongue but deceived his own heart this man’s religion is vain” (James 4:2 KJV).

James tells us this about our words, “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man and able to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2). Just as we can control a powerful horse with a bridle and bit so we must control our tongue. As a large ship can be controlled by a small rudder so our tongue can give direction to our life or crash us on the rocks. “Behold we put bits in horses mouths that they may obey us and we turn about their whole body” (James 3:3-4).

Consider how much damage the tongue can do. “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasted great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindled and the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity so is the tongue amongst our members . . . setteth on fire the course of nature and is set on fire of hell” (James 3).

Sometimes I suffer from hoof and mouth disease. I put my foot in my mouth. I speak without thinking. When I was kid we used to give a retort to those who would taunt us. “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me!” I don’t know where we learned that refrain but I soon learned that it was not true. Words can be very piercing and damaging. Before I went into the ministry my pastor gave me a book by Dale Carnegie How to Win Friends and Influence Enemies. As he handed it to me he said “Here, you’re really going to need this!” It was a blow to my pride – but true. Over the years my tongue got me into more trouble than anything else. But God has also graciously taught me that my tongue under His control can do a world of good.

James says, “But the tongue can no man tame. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). While it is true no man can fully control the tongue – God can, if you surrender it to Him. As horses must be controlled by bridles and bits, so we need to control over our tongue. Consider the following acronym that will help us have control over our tongue.

C – Christ’s control over your life will give you power over all areas of your life. The cross is the answer. When the Israelites encountered bitter, poisonous water, Moses threw a tree into the waters and they became sweet. That tree symbolizes Jesus’ cross. His blood cleanses us from all sin. (See I John 1:7.)

H – Heart. It’s an issue of the heart. Many speak in bitterness and hate because their heart is full of it. (See James 3:9-12.) We need a heart change. Receiving Christ’s forgiveness and giving forgiveness will change your heart. (See I John 1:9.)

R – Righteous Fruit will flow from your tongue when you are master controlled. The fruit of the Spirit will be wholesome and winsome. (See James 3:15-18 and Galatians 5:22.)

I – Instruction in godly wisdom will help you know when and what to say. (See James 3:13, 17.)

S – Sanctification by the Spirit will cleanse your tongue. Isaiah’s tongue was touched by a fiery coal from God. (See Isaiah 6:1-8 and Acts 2:3 and 13:9-10.) Is your tongue sanctified?

T – Talk of Positive things. Talk of faith and purity. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). (See Philippians 4:4-9.) Talk about Jesus – your testimony is part of your victory. (See Revelation 12:11.)

Bridles and bits can control a horse but only Christ can bring control over your tongue. Are you Master controlled?