James 1: 19 James, the half brother of Jesus, writes a letter to the Diaspora… those fleeing Israel to avoid persecution. A fractured but not broken church, takes Jesus’ teaching onto the mission field. James reminds them of the joy, the treasures found in trials, to endure and persevere. He encourages them to ask God for Wisdom and to receive it in faith. He warns them how quickly temptation turns into sin. By uncovering the deceit of the enemy, perhaps they’ll avoid being misled. James then turns to listening, he’s encouraging us to be quick to hear, slow to speak. It’s not by chance he connects ‘not listening’ to taking offense and being angry. How many arguments begin with misunderstanding? How many misunderstandings begin with not really hearing what someone is saying because we’re too busy thinking of what we’re going to say next? Being quick to hear and slow to speak could be considered as valuable Wisdom for all relationships. Not just our relationship with other people, but with God, too. How often do we go to God in prayer and after we’re finished ‘doing it right’…we started with Adoration, moving to Confession, then onto Thanksgiving and Supplication… (ACTS), we say Amen…did we listen for His voice, His Truth, His encouragement, His conviction? Were we …still enough to hear Him, to know that He’s God? Many of David’s songs of praise began with him telling God of his suffering. Perhaps there was a pause between his affliction and the unexplainable spiritual joy and peace. A time when he was silent, a time when God spoke healing to his heart…only then did he finish his song. Describing how God lifted him up. When we’re going through tough times, are we offended that God would allow it? Are we angry? Are we unable to hear God’s heart because we’re ranting about…us? Listening opens the door to understanding, and understanding brings about the unity and harmony God loves. Lord, cause us to be good listeners, and to concentrate on what’s being spoken. Give
