Devotion:
Read James 1:19-20.
It is so easy to get caught up in, and live by, the ways of this world. After all, that’s where most of us spend a large portion of our time. We are regularly interacting with people who are not living by the ways of God. And if we are not being intentional and paying attention, we often find ourselves simply reacting to what goes on in the world with the ways of the world, rather than setting an example of a different way.
One of the primary faults of so many in this day and time is that we are not willing to listen to others. We only want to tell them what we think. Even when we are allowing the other person to speak, we are often not really listening to what they are saying, but thinking about what we want to say next. Anger regularly develops in the midst of such interactions.
This is not something new, although it has escalated in recent times. The writer of James knew of these kind of exchanges and is inspired by God to offer divine wisdom: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” That is not easy to do in many situations. But through the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit who is God, it is possible. It can be done. And in our day, in our culture, in our world, it is most needed. Will you be one who commits to living by that verse?
Personal Worship Option:
Pray about three people with whom you most need to put that verse into practice.
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