“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone
should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because
human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19-20
The author is James, the brother of Jesus. His audience is
the "12 tribes scattered among the
nations” (James 1:1). The letter
isn’t theological in content, but rather a list of admonitions or warnings to
the embraced by Jewish believers.
Referring to the text, it is amazing how many of us “Christians”
can praise the Lord in church and curse someone who cuts us off on the road
home after service. Why is it that we
become so easily angered at the least little provocation? What sets us off? Acting rashly doesn’t serve any good purpose
yet I do it as well as I’m sure most of you do as well from time to time. What are we missing in our walk with the Lord
that causes a flip flop in our demeanor so readily? I wish I knew. The fact remains that misplaced anger doesn’t
produce the righteous character that God desires us to exhibit. Even when our anger is justified, we are to
remain calm and remain focused on our Lord.
If we are quick to listen AND hear and slow to speak we may avoid many
an encounter with anger. Anger, when
unleashed, can lead to the use of profanity, which we tend to regret
later. Things said and done in anger bring
about unwanted consequences.
You
should consider yourself in a constant state of training as you walk with the
Lord. Think before you speak. Until next time, walk with the King and be a
blessing!
