When my grandmother came to Mexico as a missionary, she had a hard time learning Spanish. One day she went to the market. She showed her shopping list to the girl helping her and said, Its in two tongues (lenguas). But she meant to say that she had written it in two languages (idiomas). The butcher overheard them and assumed she wanted to purchase two cow tongues. My grandmother didnt realize it until she got home. She had never cooked beef tongue before!
Mistakes are inevitable when we are learning a second language, including learning the new language of Gods love. At times our speech is contradictory because we praise the Lord but then speak badly of others. Our old sinful nature opposes our new life in Christ. What comes out of our mouths shows us how much we need Gods help.
Our old tongue must go away. The only way to learn the new language of love is by making Jesus the Lord of our speech. When the Holy Spirit works in us, He gives us self-control to speak words that please the Father. May we surrender every word to Him! Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips (Ps. 141:3).
A horse, though a very powerful animal, comes under the riders control with a small piece of metala bitin the animals mouth (James 3:3). By means of the reins and bridle, the rider pulls the bit, which presses against the horses mouth. This causes the horse to stop or move in the direction the rider dictates. In contrast, no human can tame the tonguea very small part of the body. However, the Holy Spirit can help us control our speech as we yield to Him.