Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 46th. Edition.
Dear Saints, Yesterday,
James 1:17-18 assured us of the goodness of God. Today we look at self-control as it relates to our perception of the attitudes of others in verses 19-21. Be Swift to hear (v. 19a). True listening is that which seeks to understand the speaker. It is more important to listen than to be heard. We influence people more when they get the impression that we are interested in them and what they have to say, than when we tell them what we think and want. But we also save ourselves a lot of pain. Most of our quarrels with others are the result of misunderstandings. Listening means asking, What does that mean, really? If I was the one saying it, how would I want to be understood? Be Slow to speak, get angry (vv. 19b-20). Often when we get angry, it is because we were quick to draw conclusions.
We got to the conclusion cliff and jumped! But once we jump, we cannot undo what is done. We say things we later regret but cannot retrieve or change. What we want in our lives and those of others is the righteousness of God. This is not promoted by angry outbursts that only provoke the anger of others. Some Greek philosopher said, if you get angry, recite the alphabet backward, before saying anything else. Be Submissive to the word (v. 21). The sinful nature displays itself in “filthiness and [an] overflow of wickedness.” Left to ourselves, that is how we will behave. But that would lead to chaotic lives and relationships. We already saw earlier (v. 15) that the end result of sin is death. But salvation comes through hearing and believing the word of God (Romans 10:8-14).
That word has already been implanted in us through the teaching and preaching we have sat under. We should allow it to influence the way we think and act.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.