Your Words Have Tremendous Power, So Use Your Voice Carefully

Growing up in northern Ontario, I learned firsthand just how dangerous forest fires can be. To combat this threat, our neighbors would gather every summer to burn the fields. We'd start by lighting the edges of the field on fire, and as the fire worked its way toward the center, the flames would leap 25 feet into the air.

Because we lived in the north on a 160-acre farm, my dad would burn sections of brush each year to expand our field, but more than once, he'd start a fire that had us scrambling to put it out in the middle of the night. I'll never forget the time we came home after being away all day to find fire trucks parked outside our house.

A single spark from a week-old burn that we thought was completely extinguished had reignited, almost causing a major problem.

Words Do One of Two Things

James understood this principle when he wrote about the tongue in chapter 3 of his letter. He knew that our words, like a forgotten ember, can start fires that rage completely out of control. James gets a bit poetic in verse 5, using some clever wordplay. He says the tongue is small (mikron) but boasts of great (megala) things.

One cutting comment, one careless statement, one moment of verbal cruelty can set relationships ablaze in ways we never intended. Just as a bit can control a horse, a rudder can steer a ship, and a spark can start a fire, our words have tremendous power.

Here's what's fascinating about the tongue. It's not just destructive. It's actually powerful in two completely different ways. Your words can either cause devastating harm or they can be the very instrument that brings glory to God.

So Be Careful

I most notice the power of words when I speak to my kids.

Two weeks ago, I took my oldest daughter Zoey to T-ball practice. It's a sport she didn't really want to do, because it felt completely out of her comfort zone. And there have been more than a few practices that have ended in tears.

Thankfully, she has a great coach who has helped with her swing. Midway through the practice, I could see she was feeling a bit down again. She was struggling to hit, and her head started to drop.

But then she connected and got a base hit. As she passed first, her coach yelled from across the field, "Way to go, Zoey."

Instantly, her body language changed. She started bouncing up and down on first base, with a huge grin on her face. One word of encouragement completely changed her mindset.

Your Daily Rudder

In James' day, before powerful engines and modern navigation, trying to sail without a rudder was virtually impossible. That small piece of the ship, which was tiny compared to the massive vessel, determined whether everyone on board reached their destination safely.

Your tongue works the same way. Every single day, you wake up with a rudder that not only directs your life but also significantly impacts everyone around you.

One of my friends who is a great encourager is my buddy Shawn. He's always texting encouraging thoughts, and last Friday, he said, "What's something I can celebrate with you right now in life?"

Using your tongue well isn't rocket science. It just requires intention.

It's choosing to wake up with a smile and speak kindly to your family. It's taking an extra moment to genuinely thank the barista at your coffee shop. It's bringing positive energy to Monday morning instead of constantly complaining about how you can't wait for Friday.

Your tongue is your daily rudder, a bit that controls the reins of your life, and a spark that can bring life or death to others.

So think carefully this week about how you use it.