Listening, Speaking, and Anger: Wisdom for a Mature Faith

Welcome back to the Book of James! We're diving back into James to uncover more wisdom for our lives. Last time, we explored the importance of seeking wisdom and how trials and temptations shape our character. Today, let's delve into James 1:19-21 and discover how listening, speaking, and anger play crucial roles in our journey towards a mature faith.

The Importance of Listening:

In James 1:19, we're reminded to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. James writes with a practical approach, emphasizing the need for these virtues from the very beginning. So, what does it mean to be quick to listen?

One time, a friend called me to tell me that another friend of mine had just gotten into a fight. I remember immediately jumping up, grabbing my bike from the back of the house, carrying it through the house and out the front door, and then, like a teenage action hero, riding it down the front porch steps! Idk who I thought I was... But my friend called, and I was quick to move into action!

In that moment, I realized the power of being quick to listen. It wasn't about rushing into a physical altercation but rather about being there for my friend in their time of need. It reminded me of the importance of prioritizing and discerning which actions truly align with God's will.

To truly listen, we must prioritize God's instruction through His Word. It's not merely about hearing the Word but actively listening and obeying it. The longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, beautifully expresses adoration for God's Word and the desire to live by it. We should follow suit, practicing the discipline of attentive listening and faithful obedience.

The Power of Words

James also urges us to be slow to speak. Looking back at that incident with my friend, I realized that my quick actions were not always necessary or wise. Sometimes, words have more power than actions.

A meme I love captures this sentiment: "Temp went from 90-55 like it saw a State Trooper." Life often presents us with situations that demand both urgency and restraint. James emphasizes that we need both gears to grow in wisdom and maturity. It's about knowing when to speed up and when to slow down.

As believers, our goal is to bring glory to God, and our anger will never help us achieve that goal. James warns that human anger does not produce God's righteousness. When we act out of anger, we often regret our words and actions. The mature believer understands the value of restraint and self-control, allowing wisdom to guide their response instead of succumbing to anger.

The Implanted Word

In James 1:21, James urges us to rid ourselves of moral filth and embrace the implanted Word of God. It's an age-old battle between the world and the Word. While it can be tempting to pursue our own desires and plans, James reminds us to shed our unrighteousness and clothe ourselves with godliness.

That incident with my friend taught me the importance of aligning my actions and responses with God's Word. Rather than jumping into action impulsively, I should have sought God's guidance and allowed His wisdom to direct my steps.

Living a Christian life involves actively resisting worldly influences. As Christians, we're not only rescued from the penalty of sin but also from participating in sinful behaviors. It's a continual process of transformation, and the key lies in humbly receiving the implanted Word of God.

In conclusion

James teaches us invaluable lessons about listening, speaking, and anger. By being quick to listen to God's instruction through His Word, we demonstrate our wisdom and maturity. Being slow to speak allows us to discern when to act with urgency and when to exercise restraint. Finally, by embracing the implanted Word of God, we shed the influence of the world and pursue godliness.

Let us remember that Jesus is both our Savior and our perfect example. As we navigate the complexities of life, let's lean on His teachings and strive to live out a faith that has worth and produces good works. May we be a people who prioritize listening, speaking wisely, and channeling our anger towards righteousness, bringing glory to God in all we do.