Curled Determination
For in many things we offend all, If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able 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.
...James 3:2-3
Missing his sister's company, our son Robert needed something to occupy his time out at the youth camp. Not having her to pick on was no fun. Our neighbor offered a horse to us, so thinking about it, Bill and I thought that would be a good activity and exercise for him. "Boneca" was a beautiful horse but had a good memory of where she lived before coming to our place. Each time the gate was opened, off took "Boneca" heading for her old place.
Robert and I placed the bridle and bit quickly and saddled her up with Robert on, before opening the gate. She sure did not like the bit in her mouth, curling her tongue stubbornly she refused it wholeheartedly, determined not to let us gain ground. Her tongue was strong and well trained for this moment. After training her to wear the bit for short periods of time, she accustomed to it.
Boneca was finally trained, or tamed enough to wear the bit. James 3:7-8 reminds us of the human tongue and how it cannot be tamed. James says every kind of beast has been tamed of mankind, but verse 8 reads, But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
What does this say about man? God gave Adam dominion over the beasts of the field, but cannot gain control or dominion over a small member such as the tongue. It is big enough though to defile the whole body. Why is it so easy to forget this? We do know, but we like "Boneca" push against the will of God, curling up our tongue from allowing Him complete control.
The being in control feels powerful, but in the long run proves trouble for the Christian. Go ahead keep pushing away, show everyone how strong you are on your own but one day the blisters from struggling against the bit, will be enough for us to give in and quit resisting.
What is wrong walking with God, harness in His hand and a bit guiding us on the right path? Why do we fight it anyway? Try giving Him control and you will see the path is so much easier, and new pastures will be found.
Do you have curled determination?
