rudder tongue

Tuesday September 15^th, James 3: ^3-5A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!  Ohhhh! That rudder tongue.  A master chief was asked to come and prepare the most delectable meal for a gathering of the well healed in a community.  When it came time for the presentation and the words spoken, “what was your inspiration for tonight’s meal?”  The chief presented a wonderful list of sweet and savory side dishes with “tongue” as the main course.  He then went on to explain how wonderful the tongue can be, filled with praise, glory, words of encouragement, it can be a simple instrument that brings hope and joy to others.  The following evening the chief was asked to prepare the most disgusting meal for the same group.  When it came time for the presentation and the words spoken, “what was your inspiration for tonight’s meal?”  The chief presented a wonderful list of sweet and savory side dishes with “tongue” as the main course.  He then went on to explain how disgusting the tongue can be, filled with envy, greed and words of discouragement, it can be a simple instrument that brings hopelessness and tears to others.  There are times when knowing how to handle a rudder is essential, especially if that rudder is your tongue.