Take Heed!

Take Heed!

‭James 1:19 NIV‬

[19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

There is the inner man and the outer man. The inner man defines the essence of the man, because whatever the outer man produces is a reflection of what is stored up in the inner man. We focus so much on the outer man, because it is the only one we think we can make up to look a certain way, or to speak in a certain way. We conveniently forger that what is not seen is even greater and bigger than what we cannot see. That is also the implied message of the verse above. We want to be seen in a particular light; we want men to relate with us in a particular way, so we lay down boundaries and define terms of engagement and codes of conduct. 

These are not bad in themselves, but what work have I done in myself first of all, before I can make a demand on someone else?  What standards am I holding myself to, in order to be qualified to encourage other people to also uphold the same standards? The call in the verse above is to first deal with myself, and whatever log may be in my own eye. There is a reason why God, in His wisdom, gave us two ears, but one mouth and one heart. The heart is single because from it flows the essence of life. The mouth is the reflection of the heart, because out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Imagine the pressure and pain an unsubmitted heart can cause.

Before I get angry and speak carelessly, I am asked to process any issue in my heart at least twice the time it takes to speak. I must take the time to weigh words and be sure that they will benefit those who listen. Am I only focused on getting even, or am I seeking that the name of the Lord will be glorified in the things I do? Be quick to listen, because that is the one sure to get people to open up to you. If they know you will hear them, they will open up to you. Not everything I hear is for public consumption; otherwise, I will lose the trust of people. I cannot afford to get angry at every perceived slight. I cannot react to everything that happens around me. God wants to use me as His eyes, ears, lips and heart. Based on my current pursuits and priorities, am I representing Him well? God's time of favour is here.