Tiny Lies, Huge Thoughts

“Our lives can be guided, shaped, changed, even damaged by something as small as a tongue.”

“If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 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 3:3-5a ESV

What a perfect comparison for the damage our tongue can do! A large horse can be guided by a tiny thing like a bit, a small piece of metal. A whole ship is guided by a small rudder. Our lives can be guided, shaped, changed, even damaged by something as small as a tongue. 

Think about this: have you ever been damaged by something someone else said about you or to you? Something that might have been a small comment, or a tiny lie, that has lingered? 

Maybe it was about your appearance and suddenly you’re comparing yourself to other women, wondering if you should change your hair color, wear your makeup differently, or stop wearing those jeans. 

Maybe it was that you’re “bossy” and now you’re second guessing everything you say to someone, wondering if you’re coming across too harshly. You might even change the way you lead, because of a comment someone made. 

Or it could have been a comment made about your parenting, so now you’re going against your mom-instincts and parenting “like everyone else”. 

Mom friend, don’t let those tiny lies turn into huge thoughts. Remind yourself what God says about you. You are a daughter of God, accepted, loved and chosen by Him. You are holy, forgiven, and redeemed. A true masterpiece created by the same God that created the world. And whenever you’re unsure about anything, you have a Helper, the Holy Spirit, to guide you, shape you, and change you. 

Action Steps:

• What tiny lies have you believed? Have you let them shape your life? 

• How are you speaking to your children? Are you careful not to make comments that will stick with them and affect them negatively? 

• Remind your children what God says about them. Set them up with a foundation of truth so that tiny lies can’t shake them.

Written by Cathrine, mom of 4