Sweetie is our half Arabian horse, she is a beautiful light chestnut color. As typical for Arabians she is sensitive around our mouth and face. In fact, we sometimes have trouble getting her bit into her mouth. She isn’t one to readily accept the bit and bridle. Once the bridle is on, she settles down and does well, but she can be aggravating when she refuses the bridle.
I thought of Sweetie, as I was reading from the book of James in the Bible. In chapter 3, he refers to the ancient and modern practice of putting bits in horses mouth so the rider can control and steer the horse (v. 3). Earlier in 1:26, James wrote, “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” It hit me, we must be willing to put a bit and bridle on ourselves!
As I thought about myself trying to put the bit in Sweetie while she moves her head around and tries to avoid the bit, I couldn’t help but think God must look at me the same way sometimes. He is trying to put restraint, self-control, kindness, and love upon my mouth, but I resist. I fight and avoid the bridle.
Are you seeing yourself too? How many times has your loose tongue got you into trouble? Isn’t it sad how frequently you think, “Why did I just say that!”? God wants to put his wisdom, Spirit, and desires over our lives so that we will use restraint in controlling our tongues. Why do we resist?
Sins of the tongue are no small matter! James goes on to say that though the tongue is small it boasts of great things. It is like a little spark that can cause a raging wildfire. We must not dismiss our unbridled tongues as just ‘no big deal.” Consider seriously how God views our faith and religion when we refuse to bridle our tongues. He says we deceive our hearts and our religion is “worthless.” If I refuse the bridle God desire to put on my tongue, then I make all the rest of my faith and works void. It destroys my witness and example for God.
If a horse is so belligerent and obstinate to refuse a bit, they are worthless to their owner. They can’t be controlled or ridden. They are “worthless.” God says the same to us about our faith!
