Friday, December 15, 2017

Pausing for Discernment

Scripture: My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you. But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:19-22

Observation: The direction to be quick to hear but slow to speak is well known. However, after giving this instruction, James also gives further clarification. When a believer hears the word - instructions or correction or teaching that is of God - we are to act. In this clarification, James is providing instruction in the gift of discernment. He is telling us that the process of hearing something and then responding - through word or deed - is actually a three-step process:

1) We are to listen.
2) We are to discern good from evil.
3) We are to promptly act upon God's good instructions, while resisting any response to evil words that may elicit anger or harshness.

Application: I am, of course, quick to act in many situations. It is a strength in many elements of my earthly life, but of course a major detriment in my spiritual walk. James is a tremendous teacher in this regards, and this lesson of discernment is strong. For James, the issue is black and white ... throw yourself into good action, and completely ignore any sort of evil words that may anger you. It is that "step 2" - that pause for discernment - that makes the difference.

I have often learned that pausing is a strength in many situations. It is a skill I lack. Clearly, it is a place for me to improve ... an actionable method for improving other elements of my spiritual walk. In that pause, I can figure out if good and right action is appropriate, or if silence is a better course. These are two paths that diverge rapidly, and pausing at the crossroads is clearly my chance to better walk with God.

Prayer: Today, Lord, I continue to work with others who are deceptive and quick to antagonize me. It is easy for me to respond and achieve a certain outcome. However, it is harder for me to pause, consider, and find the noble path. I know you would always walk down that better path, and if I am to walk with you I must consistently find that way forward. Please take my hand this day, daddy. Amen.


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