BE THE CAPTAIN OF YOUR SHIP

“A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. – James 3:4 (TLB)

REFERENCE:

JAMES 3:1-4

James reveals that the tongue is a tool that can be used to achieve a purpose – any purpose for that matter. He likens the power of the tongue to a bit in the mouth of a horse, used to control the whole horse. He says the tongue is like a small rudder on a huge ship, which in the hands of a skilled captain, can set a course in the face of the strongest winds. Your tongue, therefore, is the rudder, and you are the captain of the ship (your life); your life’s course is determined by wherever you turn the rudder.

The Bible talks a lot about the power of the tongue. Proverbs reveals that words kill and words give life, they can also bring health to the body or break the bones. You have to be deliberate about the use of your words. Careful words make for a careful life, while careless talk may ruin everything. “Words are like eggs dropped from great heights; you can no more call them back than ignore the mess they leave when they fall.”- Jodi Picoult. Be cautious therefore, don’t just utter words hastily. Understand that whatever your tongue (rudder) decrees sets the direction and the speed of your ship (life) in spite of contrary conditions or adverse situations around you.

God, in the very beginning, created everything with His spoken words. As one made in His image, your words are powerful and can create; take them seriously! Words can either be your salvation or your damnation, so, let nothing dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, knowing that each word is a gift. Your words not only affect the course of your life, but also, those of all linked to you: your family, colleagues, community, country, and even your coming generations.

Two students were shot in a Nigerian University during a cult clash in 1999. One was shot in the tummy, but kept saying repeatedly, “I will not die but live,” while the other who was shot in the leg kept shouting in Yoruba “I’m dead, I’m dead.” Eventually the student shot in the leg died from the gunshot wound while the other lived to testify. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! God has spoken His word concerning your life, but what really comes to pass, is His word that you re-echo to yourself.

Hey, Captain, take hold of the rudder of your ship, start speaking health to yourself, prosperity to your business, peace to your community and country, unity in the Church of God, joy in your home, love in your marriage and goodness all the days of your life. Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, must say nothing evil or hurtful.

Be the captain of your ship, speak the right words!

SCRIPTURE QUOTE

ADDITIONAL STUDY

Proverbs 29:20, Ephesians 4:29 & 1 Peter 3:10

PRAYER POINTS

+ Lord I repent of misusing my ‘rudder’ and turning my life and the lives of those committed to me in an unfavourable and negative direction.

+ I reclaim the government of my tongue, I change and watch my speech, I ensure I speak where I desire to go and not the contrariness of my situations or surroundings. I have what I say.

+ As the captain of this ship called my life, I commit to skillfully turning it henceforth, by your grace and wisdom, in the direction of purpose, in Jesus’ name. Amen.