James 3:2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.
The tongue is the thermostat of the soul. A thermostat is a device that automatically regulates the temperature of an enclosed area. Likewise we can talk ourselves to peace or perturbations. “The Christian should learn two things about his tongue, how to hold it and how to use it.” The book of James very clearly says that if we learn to discipline our tongue then, our whole body will be disciplined. The tongue has the power to ‘pilferage our peace’ or ‘promote us to power’. We talk about what we think. So, to discipline our tongue we must learn to discipline our thoughts.
Mark Scott (University of British Columbia), explains the brain signal called ‘corollary discharge’. Corollary discharge is a prediction of the sound of one’s voice generated by the motor system – the Association of Psychological Science. Our brain is constantly publishing opinions, ideas, suggestions and judgments that are filtered from perceptions. This is the inner voice in our head. If our inner voice is stronger than the external intimidations, intrigues and incites, the outside noise cannot influence our reactions or reciprocation. In short, our tongue will only testify what the mind marinates. If our mind is steeped in low self-esteem we will speak of failure whereas when our inner voice is constantly reiterating the promises of God, we will speak of a positive present and an affirmative future. Hence, the tongue only speaks what your inner voice produces, publishes and prints.
The tools and techniques to control our thoughts and bridle our tongue, are hidden in the scriptures.
Discipline your tongue to discipline your inner-man:
1. Tools: The Bible is very clear. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:8). We need the Holy Spirit to bridle our tongue. The therapies or tools to control our tongue will fail without the help of the Holy Spirit. Pray a simple prayer every morning and commit the meditation of your mind and the words of your mouth to the Lord. Let the Lord hold the bridle of your tongue.
2. Techniques: There are various techniques to control our tongue. Few techniques are to ‘walk away’, ‘drink a large glass of water’ or write down our damaging thoughts on a piece of paper and then destroy/trash it. When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise (Proverbs 10:19). Avoid repetition and revisiting an issue. There will be sin/exaggeration in too many words, long conversations and repetition of an event. The best technique to control the tongue is to ‘talk-less’.
3. Tests: Test the motives of your confessions. So don’t judge anything before the right time—wait until the Lord comes (1 Corinthians 4:5). Most negative confessions are rooted in frustrations, unforgiveness or fear. Confess the Word of God every time you are tempted to burst out in fury.
The true test to spiritual discipline is the words of our mouth.
James 3:10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
Prayer: Dear Holy Spirit, Please take control of the bridle of my tongue. May my tongue keep my whole body, soul and spirit clean and pure. Amen
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