Day 351, or December the 17th. Sorry, what did
you say? Our thoughts today come from James chapter
1, verse 19. My dear brothers and sisters, take
note of this. Everyone should be quick to listen,
slow to speak, and slow to become angry. And now the
big picture surrounding this verse. The short
letter of James is probably the earliest part
of the New Testament. It almost certainly predates
the Gospels in written form, and Paul's letters
would certainly have been later, as James probably
put pen to paper, around 45 AD, a mere 10 to
15 years after the death and resurrection of
Jesus. James was almost certainly one of the
brothers of Jesus. Actually, acknowledging that
your brother is God's own son is an amazing feat
that James grasps with the help of the Holy Spirit.
James' main emphasis is that we have to have
faith that results in actions. No works means
we have no faith, according to James. When we
have faith, we obey the word of God. In addition,
faith removes discrimination, controls our tongues,
and produces wisdom in all believers. And now
our action step for today. Wouldn't our world
be a different place if we all took today's verse
to heart? Just imagine a society where people
always listen first, and only after listening
then speak, and only after both of these actions
become angry. and the text implies, only if necessary.
Many years ago, a major celebrity was visiting
London, followed by a mass of media reporters.
A member of the public was asked his impression
of his superstar, after a brief conversation
with him. He made me feel I was the only one
who mattered. He really listened to me, as though
my opinion was important. I have a feeling that
would have been said by many of those who met
Jesus. Don't be like the man who said, My wife
is always accusing me of not listening. At least
I think that's what she says. I intend to try
listening more and hope someone notices. If they
don't, there's always tomorrow to try again.