At the beginning of this year, the Lord challenged me to contend for much fruit, and I fully intend to accomplish what He instructed me to do. After walking with and living for Him for more than 40 years now, the starting place to accomplish anything in His kingdom begins in the same place…the tongue.
James 3:2-5: For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
In this passage we learn what a bit is to a horse and what a rudder is to a ship. The purpose of both of these objects is to STEER. They don’t power the object, but they steer it, and keep it pointed in the direction of the rider or helmsman.
In the same way, when you drive your car, you get somewhere by using the steering device. If you just get in your car, turn the key, put the car in gear, but don’t take hold of the steering wheel, what will happen? You are going to hit something, or you will run off the road. Either way, you will not end up where you wanted to be, and in the process potentially causing much damage. This is exactly what happens to the believer who does not steer his life by putting God’s Word in his mouth. He runs into an obstacle or winds up in a ditch somewhere. Thank God for steering wheels on cars, and thank God for the tongue, the little member of our body which steers our lives.
Making confessions of God’s Word means you submit your tongue to His Word. When you stand up and say, “I am a tither and the devourer is rebuked for my sake,” then don’t yield to discouragement and say, “It doesn’t look like it is working; we are not going to make it.” What you have first said has steered your life in a particular direction, and changing your confession to what you don’t want is like taking your hand off the steering wheel and running into a ditch.
When you begin to understand the importance of your words, you begin to learn a new language…the language of faith, and you begin to make an investment in the things of God with your words. You ARE going somewhere; don’t change direction! Get in agreement with the Word and stay with it.
Many years ago, when my life was headed in the wrong direction, the Lord spoke to my mother (who had been praying for me) and told her not to speak some particular negative words over me ever again, but to only speak who I was in Christ. She learned the language of faith where her children were concerned, and it wasn’t long before my life lined up exactly with the direction she confessed.
I could borrow your car and drive you around for a little while, but ultimately you have to learn to steer that thing for yourself if you intend to travel on your own. James, chapter three, will teach you to “drive.” You steer a horse with a bit, you steer a ship with a rudder, you steer a car with a steering wheel, and you steer your life with your tongue. You steer yourself into smooth waters or rough sailing with your tongue.
Find out what the promises of God are and agree with them. Learn the language of faith, which is the Word of God. And once you set your course, stay with it. Steer your life into the favor and blessings of God, into the abundance of peace, and into the divine health that God has made available to you through His Word. Your tongue will take you there!