Listening and Doing

4-7-2009

I think we can all look back on our lives and think of times where we knew exactly what needed to be done, yet still didn’t do it. It might be something as simple as watching what you eat. We all know what we should or shouldn’t eat, but I can just about guarantee you if a cookie is put in front of me, I am going to eat it, and look for its friends!

In James 1: 19-27, we are given incredible advice on exactly how to listen and do the right thing all of the time. In chapter 19, James instructs us to be a great listener. If you want to be successful with people, be a great listener. We too often think it’s about what we say that makes a big difference, when in fact we may be speaking too much. If you are a parent, coach, boss, etc., make sure you take time to listen to everything your subordinate has to say before voicing your opinion, this way you won’t act out of anger, and the person that is communicating with you will feel you truly care and are approachable. You have probably heard the saying, “people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Be slow to speak and quick to listen. Refuse to throw advice at those in need. Be patient with your advice and understand the impact words can have on people. On the flip side, when you feel the need to be argumentative, take the high road. If you don’t have something positive to say, don’t say it. Silence cannot be misinterpreted!

In verse 21, James refers to the salvation message we have received by saying, “the word planted in you.” In other words, as a true follower of Jesus Christ, you know right from wrong, and it is much more important to do what God says than to simply know what it says. Anyone can disobey God’s word, but very few are able to uphold the message in their day to day doings. Flee from what the world puts value on (money, power, rank, job status, material possessions) and stay focused on Christian values that Jesus himself carried out while on the earth. When you dive into God’s word on a daily basis, your words and actions will be reflected.
It is easy to forget that Jesus Christ walked this very earth that we walk today, and he never sinned. Can you imagine the words you would want to say to the people that are spitting on your face? Can you imagine the verbal abuse just about any human being would give those that mocked Jesus Christ? Jesus was tortured, yet never sinned. Not only did He not sin, but He asked His father to forgive them! May the words from our mouths be the meditations of our hearts, and may our hearts be filled with God’s truth.

Application:
1. Read James 1: 19-27
2. When is the last time you said something you wish you wouldn’t have? Do you need to ask that person or persons for forgiveness?
3. Are you investing time in God’s word daily, so you will respond in a Christ-like way at all times?