Submit yourselves therefore to God . . .

James 4:7

We have a tongue and a voice. These instruments of speech can be used destructively or constructively. We can use our tongue to slander, to gripe, to scold, to nag, and to quarrel; or we can bring it under the control of God’s Spirit and make it an instrument of blessing and praise. The 20th-century version of James 3:3 says, “When we put bits into the horses’ mouths to make them obey us, we control the rest of their bodies also.” When we submit to the claims of Christ upon our lives, our untamed natures are brought under His control. We become meek, tamed, and “fit for the Master’s service.”

I would be under Your control, Lord Jesus Christ. Take away the pride that keeps me from complete submission. I pray for humility, grace and mercy today, that I might serve you and someone that is ill, lost, lonely, hurting or in need of the path to you and your kingdom. In Your name I pray, Amen.