For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.Meekness enables us to be led by the Spirit of God!
(James 3:2)
James writes of the alternative when he writes of the necessity of putting bits in the mouths of horses to force them to obey us.
I once owned a semi-broken quarter horse named Bucky. I didn’t ride Bucky often, and when I did there was ongoing conflict as to who was really in charge.
One fine spring day I saddled Bucky for one of our infrequent jaunts around the farm. As soon as my backside touched the saddle, I had the violent sensation of being launched from Cape Canaveral—minus countdown and rocket!
I hit the ground like a sack of salt. I could almost see that horse laugh at me. I gave Bucky a good cuff behind the ears and delivered part one of my three-part series on submission to authority.
The Spanish Bit
An experienced cowboy who witnessed the scene told me, “Preacher, you’ve got the wrong kind of bit in that horse’s mouth. You need a Spanish bit.”
“What good will that do?” I asked, rubbing my sore hindquarters.
“If he doesn’t obey right away when you tug on the reins, it will cut his mouth to the quick. It’s a bit harsh, but it won’t do any lasting damage. And he’ll learn to obey right quick.”
Needless to say, I wasted little time getting one of those marvelous Spanish bits for my stubborn horse. It worked like a charm. Bucky instantly obeyed my every command.
As I dismounted I could almost hear the Lord say, “Many of My children are so stubborn they force me to put bits into their mouths that cut them to the quick. If they would just be meek and let Me guide them by the voice of My Spirit, how happy they would be!” But so often we refuse meekness, demand our won way and forfeit the happiness God has in mind for us.
Source: Being Happy in an Unhappy World by John Hagee.
Excerpt permission granted by John Hagee Ministries