09Jun16

James 1:26 ESV
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

When I first got the chance to see a horse up close and personal, prior to a horseback riding trip with my grandfather in the Sawtooth mountains of Idaho, I was freaked out by the bridle in the horse's mouth. I couldn't' imagine having something like that would be comfortable. So, I asked my grandpa if it hurt the horse. My grandpa's reply, with a smile, was, "not if it's going the right way."

When James talks about our faith, and more so the outward actions that accompany our faith, he talks about the tongue being the guide. It is the primary indicator of what is inside. Putting a bridle on our speech may seem like an impossible task but, just like the horse, it's not about having to be pulled around. It only hurts when you are going in the wrong direction. If the horse knows the path then the master barely even has to touch the reigns. If the horse is rebellious and wants to go its own way then the bridle may hurt.

The scary part of this verse for me is the final line. Based upon what I am saying and the words I am using on a consistent basis, is my "religion" worthless? Am I just playing a game and my heart is being revealed as deceived through my mouth? There are a lot of people who claim Christianity. But, how many of them are just going through the motions of a worthless religion because they have not adopted the truth as their lifesaving, life-changing, gift? How's your tongue today?