James IV
Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. (James 3:4,5 ESV)
Words
When I build a plastic model of a ship, the rudder is often a piece that I despise. It is usually so very, very small. It does not seem to matter, this small piece of plastic. And yet, when I place it incorrectly, it really stands out.
Our words are like those tiny rudders. We pay more attention to deeds than to words. We pay more attention to thoughts than to words. We pay more attention to desires than to words.
But words matter.
It is not true that only sticks and stones hurt.
It is not true that talk is cheap.
It is not true that words are irrelevant in relationships, character, and worship.
We show our faith by explaining our trust. In fact, faith is not visible without words.
We show love by giving context to our actions. In fact, the same action could be selfish OR loving, and our words indicate which.
Words are the skeleton of our relationship with God. With words we worship, we pray, we sing, we profess, we confess, we cry out to God, we give thanks, we hear His Word, we evangelize, we say, “Yes” to Jesus, or we say, “No” to Jesus.
Words are great. Use them purposefully.