James 1:19- 21 “My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.” (Berean Study Bible)
”Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener , God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation – garden of your life.” (Eugene Peterson, “The Message”)
In the days of the Old West, there were gun fighters referred to as “gunslingers.” Many times these men might work as cowboys, but they enjoyed reputations for lightning – fast reflexes that allowed them to whip a loaded pistol out of a hoster and shoot their opponent before he had a chance to draw his weapon. These men were also known as “quick draw artists” because of their skill.
Unfortunately, today social media has helped many of us become “quick draw artists” when it comes to commenting. But while social media may have made some kinds of communication easier, the human brain hasn’t changed since James wrote this advice to the early church. Nobody really knows which James wrote this epistle. But the book of James emphasizes vital Christianity and a faith that is evident by the way believers conduct their daily lives. Let’s look at what James had to say.
1. We are to be quick to listen. Ever have a conversation with someone who feels that whatever they wish to say is more important than whatever you have? Your side of the conversation is generally limited to short interjections, while your friend goes on and on at great length. That isn’t really a conversation; it’s a monologue with you as the audience! This experience can be particularly frustrating if you have information you truly need to convey. Many times after dumping a conversational load, your friend quickly rushes off….perhaps to have another “meaningful” conversation with someone else! Meanwhile, you feel as if an entire dump truck (tipper truck) of sand has just poured all over you, burying you in the process! Good listeners are rarer than rubies and should be just as highly prized! One of the biggest compliments one can receive is to be told that “you have time for people.”
2. Man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. Anger is very dangerous because the angrier you become, the less judgement you possess. If you are heading an organization and people realize that you get angry easily, you are leaving yourself wide – open to manipulation. All someone has to do is to push the right buttons and then they can steer you in the direction they want you to go. The problem is, the angrier you are, the less self – control you have and the more likely you are to say or do something you will regret later. Peterson was correct: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear.
3. When we meditate on the Bible and study the Bible, we are programming our brains so that we will be able to react calmly, rationally, and lovingly. Remember that verse about “Love your enemies and pray for those who despitefully use you?” You can’t just get up some morning and say “today I am going to love ALL my enemies!” If you have never practiced forgiving people, the first time someone cuts you off in traffic, you are going to be raging at them. How can Scripture help? Memorizing Scripture for the particular problems that plague you can be very helpful. Whenever you are tempted by your particular besetting sin, you can pull out your phone or a small card with a pertinent verse and repeat it. This really does work!
PRAYER : Father God, thank you for your Word! Help us to truly be quick to listen, slow to speak, and even slower to become angry. Let our gentleness minister to those around us. In the mighty Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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