A Bean in a Shoe

     There are some times when small things exert a lot of force on a much bigger thing.  When I worked on the farm, we always had a lot of work and a fun time bringing in the crops especially wheat, soybeans and corn.  Every now and then, a small item, such as a ripe soybean would get in my shoe.  I couldn't walk until I got the bean out.  We know how small items such as thorns, beans, or a piece of gravel can cause you to stop in your tracks and take care of it.  The same thing is true of the rudder of a large ship.  The rudder is small when compared to the size of the ship, but the ship will go the direction to rudder is turned.  James says in the following verses in  James 3:1-3 says, "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.   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."  
     He speaks about the bit and how it is used to influence the direction of the horse.  We know that the size of the bit is small, yet when placed in the mouth of a horse, the direction of the horse can be altered.  James goes on in verses 5 and 6 to make the comparison between the bit and the tongue.  This was the whole point of this passage.  The tongue, which is relatively small when compared to the body, is responsible for things both good and bad.  James in this passage is referring to the "fire" that it kindles.  There is that small word or tone of voice that conveys so much when speaking to another person.  I have had too many occasions when a person will say something to me and then immediately say, "Oh, I was only kidding."  I usually find that they meant what they said in the first place and then tried to cover it up with another statement.  My father had a proverb that he would say, "Put your mind in gear before you put your mouth in motion."  Others have reminded us of the fact that we have two ears and one mouth so we should spend twice as much time listening as we do talking.  We would avoid a lot of problems if we took that advice.  People, however, don't want to listeners, but to get their own agenda across to others.  We are often admonished however, to be quick to listen and slow to speak.  How about your life?  Are you a listener, or are you one who wants to interrupt and get your point in quickly?  Listen to others and especially listen to God.  Praise God that He does hear our prayers and that He listens to us.