Behaving as Instructed

Scripture: My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. James 1:19-20

Observation: In the great lessons of James is this. First, that in our interactions we should be very open to listening to others, but we should not respond (speak or judgment) quickly, and we should not anger easily. Second, that this action is an effort toward righteousness, for our human anger is not a path toward righteousness. Of course, we learn from elsewhere that spiritual gifts like peace, kindness, and gentleness are a part of righteous living.

Application: This verse echos in me a lyric from one of my favorite bands ...

   Quick to judge, quick to anger,

   Slow to understand.

   Ignorance and prejudice

   And fear walk hand in hand.

While I am confident the lyricist was not Christian, he was certainly in some way familiar with James' teaching. In chapter 1, James talks about pursuing both wisdom and righteousness. Those who have neither are ignorant and prejudicial - practically the opposite of wise and righteous - and they act in fear (opposite of faith). And how do they behave? They are judgmental (not slow to speak) and hot-headed (not slow to anger) and do not understand (not listening).

James wrote his lesson in the first century AD. The referenced song is from 1981. The negative traits being addressed by both are effectively the modus operandi of social interaction today.

I strongly believe that the book of James is an important instruction manual for Christians. I also believe I am falling short of obeying James' instructions. I am much better at the anger part than I once was, but I struggle to listen to some viewpoints, and have much to say on some viewpoints (though again I am very much better on this second item than I used to be). I do want to live in a manner that reflects James' instructions. I want to be peaceful and gentle, listening way more than I speak, perhaps because of don't see the need to say everything. I want wisdom that comes from the Holy Spirit, which in turn involves righteous faith, making way for "the implanted word" of the Lord.

I do not live in fear. I strive not to live in ignorance or prejudice. I would like to listen much more, speak much less, and have human anger never.

Prayer: Lord, may I strive to live more as James would teach me to live, and all the more every day. Amen.