Slow to Speak

This morning, as I left the house, my wife and I got in to an argument. We did so because we miscommunicated to one another, assumed the other’s actions, and got frustrated with one another. I yelled, because I was in haste, and I misunderstood her intent, and I behaved poorly. I did it again, even as I was writing this to my younger two children (though I was a bit more justified in my frustration, I handled it all wrong). I was reminded of James’ words:

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:19-21)

Let’s consider these words for a minute: a knee-jerk reaction is always the wrong one. The world is on fire right now because of knee-jerk reactions! People on the left, right and center are all shouting at one another because they don’t like the other person’s positions, and they are waiting to throw a matchstick on powder kegs to make the others look bad. They protest and riot because they are riled up and stirred up in to trouble and division. When we’re led by our emotions in the moment, we can get swept away in the stupid!Being quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger helps you evaluate what you’re going to say, collect yourself, and respond in a way that honors God, even if it is harsh. When we evaluate ourselves, our situations, and our actions, however briefly, we reflect on what God would have us do and say as opposed to merely reacting to our situations. Anger IS a right reaction, but we use it all wrong! There is righteous anger, but the way in which we use anger, over small, petty things, it doesn’t produce in us any righteous actions. And lastly, acting in meekness through the Word of God, we step in salvation, as opposed to the Flesh. And make no mistake: meekness is not weakness!

Meekness is the strength of NOT exercising rights, even if we’re right to be angry, NOT acting, even if we have the right to do so, and NOT getting our way, even if we’re entitled to it, all in favor of the more righteous act. Consider Jesus, who could have called more than 12 legions of angels to His defense at His arrest, and yet He told His followers to put their swords away. Jesus, who like a lamb to the slaughter, said no word in His defense as false charges were leveled at Him, and Jesus who called for forgiveness of His enemies as they mocked Him in His agony on the cross. In all things, I want to be like Jesus, and I am sorry when I fall short, and sorry to those who I snap at! May we all strive to be like Jesus, so that He may get all glory and honor as we are quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.

Philippians 2:1-18

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Romans 12

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.