Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 25: Small Words Great Power

Photo Credit: khongkitwiriyachan

Key Verse

Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires. James 3:4 (WEB)

Lesson

A handgrip, a shaft, and a blade; these are the main parts of a paddle. A paddle is a simple but indispensable tool for directing certain watercrafts and boats. A paddle and boat are one of the oldest forms of travel. Paddles can be used for two purposes, propelling a boat and steering it. For some boats, a single paddle can be used for both purposes, for other boats, one paddle is used specifically for steering and others for propelling it. Of course many boats have a rudder for steering. But historians tell us that rudders were adapted from a steering paddle.

Have you ever marveled at how easy a small paddle blade can quickly change the direction of a much larger boat? It is rather impressive how easily a paddle can propel a heavy boat. A few strokes and your canoe or kayak is going several miles an hour. One twist and the whole boat is redirected. Although small in comparison, the paddle has great power.

In James 3:4 the Bible uses this as an example of how the tongue is small but can have a great effect. The tongue is a very small part of the body, but it can bless or curse, it can heal or destroy. A few unthoughtful words can destroy a friendship or a reputation. Whereas, a kind word can brighten someone’s whole week. In a few minutes of anger, a person can speak words causing bitter feelings that last years.

It is important whenever we speak that we think about our words. We should never speak the first thing that comes to our minds. Many people allow their feelings to determine what they say without thought for long-term effects. This is unwise. As Christians, we must do our best to control our speech. Everything Jesus said was meant to help the listeners, even his enemies. We should try to do the same.

Questions

Can you think of small word someone said to you that meant a lot or even changed your life?

What can we do when we get angry instead of saying hurtful words?

What simple words could you say to someone that would be meaningful?

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 17: Filters

Key Verse

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 WEB

Lesson

Water is vital to life. Clean drinking water is necessary for health. We have all experienced how refreshing a glass of water is when hot and thirsty. Jesus used water as an example for salvation. He said that he is the Water of Life. But we know that water is no good if it’s contaminated.

A water filter is useful because it makes contaminated water drinkable. If we consume contaminated water it will contaminate our body and make us sick. Drinking clean water not only doesn’t make us sick, but it makes us healthy and fights off sickness. Proverbs 15:1 says that a calm voice fights off wrath and anger but harsh words contaminated with anger cause more anger.

Sometimes it is hard to control our feelings. They seem to slip out in words we don’t mean to say. Or perhaps we don’t try to filter our speech at all. Psalms 1:26 reminds us if anyone wants to be righteous, they must filter their speech or control their tongue. “If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn’t bridle his tongue, [he] deceives his heart” (Psalms 1:26a).

Water cleanses our bodies by washing away impurities. In the same way, a relationship with Jesus, the Water of Life, washes away the impurities in our spiritual life. It provides a filter for our thoughts and speech. We are then able to respond to anger with calmness and kindness that will dispel that contaminant.

Questions

Have you ever struggled controlling your words?

Do you know what it is like to have words you regretting saying forgiven? How did that make you feel?

What if we “drank” the Water of Life as often as we drink physical water?