July 3 Devotion: The Tongue

Tongue

James 3:5

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

How often do we think our words truly don’t matter? We might think we can say whatever we like, and if someone doesn’t like it, then they just need to get thicker skin.

James reminds us that something as small as the tongue can produce enormous results, good and bad. Too often, we think our influence is limited because we are ordinary people. We measure what can be accomplished by our own strength, our personality, or our speaking ability. We don’t truly think we could affect someone with our words in any capacity, but God has never been limited by the size of the instrument He chooses to use.

The tongue can certainly be used to spread anger, gossip, and discouragement, igniting fires that destroy lives. Yet that same tongue, when yielded to the Lord, can become an instrument of grace, truth, and hope. A simple word of encouragement, a faithful witness of the gospel, a prayer offered in faith, or a timely testimony can have eternal consequences. The power is not in our eloquence—it is in the God who speaks through willing servants. If we are willing to surrender our tongue to Him, He will give us the right words to say in the right situations. Not only that, He will also help us to hold our tongue and remain silent when needed.

Throughout Scripture, God used ordinary men whose confidence rested not in themselves but in Him. Moses doubted his speech, but God used him to lead His people out of bondage. We could name numerous examples of excuses on why someone couldn’t be used. Yet when they surrendered themselves to God, He accomplished far more through them than they ever imagined.

The question is not, “What can I accomplish with my words?” Rather, it is, “What can God accomplish through a tongue surrendered to Him?” One sentence spoken in obedience may encourage a weary believer, point a sinner to Christ, or strengthen a struggling family.

Today, don’t underestimate what God can do through you. Place your tongue under His control, speak His truth with humility, and trust Him to send words that bring light instead of destruction.

God bless,

Bro. Josh Richardson