Balance!

Balance!

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: James 1:19 KJV

Today's extract holds lessons that are apt for the times we live in. This is the season of special effects; the generation that thrives on the spectacular and sometimes the ridiculous. We love the dramatic; we can hardly stay quiet. Technology hasn't also helped: 24 hours TV, cable access, no controls over content or timing, internet and its nonchalance towards what is right by God's standards. Indeed, we are in strange times but there is nothing unexpected about these times from God's perspective. He had foretold all that is happening now, so the appropriate question now is: How does God expect me to handle these strange times? 

Today's extract gives a few answers. First, today's extract is addressed to 'beloved brethren'. We are enjoined to sort out our ownership. When I know whose I am, I know what is expected. Maybe the major reason why we struggle for impact is because we ourselves are yet to be impacted by God Himself. We keep up the required appearances; we pretend all is well. However, first things first: sort out who you want to follow and serve, then the other bits will make sense. 

Secondly, our senses were given to help in our walk with God, but they must be used in line with God's set procedure. The sense of hearing helps us perceive what is said, and for all who will obey God, there is a place for listening to and hearing God speak. You can never grow beyond your pursuits and priorities. If God is important to you, you will seek Him out on a daily basis. 

Then comes the grace to speak. Of course, the Bible already confirms that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. If your pursuits were never about God's Word, how would you mouth be able to produce the right kind of fruit? And of course, my reaction to people and events around me flow from the status of my relationship with God. If I have allowed God deal with me in the secret place, my public life will line up with the will of God. If I have not surrendered to God, there is no sieve or control on what I am bound to produce.

We are given 2 ears and 1 mouth so we can hear twice as much as we speak. We are to pause twice as long as it takes to process what we hear before we respond. God is looking to impact our world with his nature, and it will be most unfortunate if all we do is react to anything that comes our way without seeking prior divine guidance. If I will make God's way known in this evil and adulterous generation, I must start at the feet of Jesus. He alone knows how to prepare me for the challenges ahead. His time of favour is here.