James 1:19-24
Dear brothers, don’t ever forget
that it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry; for
anger doesn’t make us good, as God demands that we must be.
So
get rid of all that is wrong in your life, both inside and outside, and
humbly be glad for the wonderful message we have received, for it is
able to save our souls as it takes hold of our hearts.
And
remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. So don’t fool
yourselves. For if a person just listens and doesn’t obey, he is like a
man looking at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can’t
see himself anymore or remember what he looks like.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
“When your mouth is open,
your ears are closed.” This was the “pearl of wisdom” our football
coach, Isaac Witt, gave my 7th grade science class in 1970. Believe it
or not, I never forgot those words. I can’t say I always practice
them…but I do remember them!
While listening is terribly
important…obedience is even more vital. So when God tells us to do
something – or not to do it – and we go right ahead with our plans, we
can’t expect things to go smoothly. This is where we often set
ourselves up for unnecessary worries. Who among us wants to be
constantly looking over his/her shoulder…endlessly replaying what was
said and done - and wondering what the ramifications will be? That is
no way to live! Yet this is how many of us go through life…we speak now
and worry later about how it our words and actions are
received/interpreted.
Here’s the thing…every single one of us has
wanted to lash out at someone else at one time or another. We have
wanted to offer the “snappy comeback”…to get even or seek revenge.
We’ve wanted to give at least one person “a good piece of our mind!”
But remember the words of Jesus…”love others as much as you love
yourself.” (Matthew 22:29CEV) Remember how it feels to be on the
receiving end of such delivery…and consider your words and actions in
light of your Christian discipleship.
At the heart of our
Christian faith, each one of us wants God’s approval…we want to do what
is right and good. We want to trust Him completely - and to leave the
heavy lifting to Him. But there are days when life (and the devil) gets
the best of us…and we retaliate. Our mouths open and our ears close…to
those around us – and to God Himself.
Today is the day to open
our ears…our hearts…our minds…and to listen to God’s word and will for
our lives. This is truly the time to “let go and let God” – in every
situation and circumstance…to remember Whose we are, and what we look
like as new creatures in Christ. Take a good long look in the mirror
and imprint on your heart the image that God has of you as His redeemed,
beloved child. The time has come to get busy living up to His
expectations! Are you ready to begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
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