Thursday, May 23, 2024

QUICK ... SLOW ... SLOW

Here is wisdom ...

Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20

1. Quick to hear - We are to 'eagerly' search the Word of God. For some, Bible study is little more than the self-imposed discipline of reading a few verses each day ... closing the cover ... and walking away unmoved. With anticipation, plumb its depths so that you can receive, understand, and apply the life-giving truths found therein. For the word of God is living and active, able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

2. Slow to speakWe need to be on guard concerning the latent carnal nature. Even though man is weak, ignorant, and prone to evil ... he is self-confident and impulsive when it comes to his tongue. We must never misrepresent nor grieve the Lord with what flows from our lips. If anyone among you seems to be religious and does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. (James 1:26) 

3. Slow to anger - Human anger does not forward God’s purposes. It is not an emotion that is consistent with righteousness ... wrath is typically laden with sin, self-importance, self-assertion, intolerance, and stubbornness. It can take the form of violent behavior, opinionated outbursts, or a seething inward wrath. We are admonished to ... Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away, with all malice. (Ephesians 4:31)

If you've been given new life in Christ ... a hunger and thirst for God's Word should be evident (a willingness to be transformed by its power). You should also hold sway over everything that comes from your mouth (using words that edify) and have a tight grip on your emotions (especially misplaced anger). 

This is what separates you from the world, pilgrim.



No comments:

Post a Comment