“My dear brothers and sisters, take note: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”
~James 1:19
As I sit down to write this week’s blog, I’m reminded of childhood visits to my grandparents’ house. My grandmother was an affectionate woman who loved through her cooking. My grandfather, a burly man, was weathered by the war but tender-hearted underneath. They were very special to me. They would often make me laugh with stories of the “olden days,” but it was when they danced in the living room that brought the most joy. The foxtrot was their favorite and I can still hear my grandfather firmly instructing and leading my grandmother, “slow, slow, quick, quick, slow.” If she followed the cues, they danced with ease; one false step, however, and the dance became an effort.
This week at Teaching & Worship we are continuing our study of the book of James, chapter 1 verses 19-27. Here is where we witness James building a bridge from a new birth given to us through God’s truth (18) and into a new life sustained only through God’s word. The crossover, however, comes with warnings and instructions because James knows we are susceptible to being trapped by temptation during the infancy stage. His desire is to see us succeed in attaining spiritual maturity and so he commands us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Friends, God is introducing us to His dance steps – quick, slow, slow – and if we allow Him to instruct us, He will be our partner forever.
“If you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up and be alert. Your old life is dead, your new life is with Christ in God!”
~Colossians 3:1-3
In Paul’s letter to the Colossian church, he emphasizes our need for God’s wisdom and truth while at the same time warning us against falling prey to deceitfulness and worldly compromise. Written from his prison cell, like James, Paul combats earthly teachings; and challenges his readers to reject sin and live in union with Christ. He instructs us to live with heaven’s values, to live out our citizenship as influencers of God’s kingdom, and to gain and receive a new identity in Christ! Jesus is the fullness of God and our only source of life. He is not only our salvation but also the greatest of teachers. Are we willing to follow His lead?
The conclusion to James’ opening chapter, verses 19 through 27, is a call to do just that…to not only be doers of God’s word but also to be followers of God’s word. James commands us to be quick, hear God’s word; slow, receive God’s word; and slow, obey God’s word! He is showing us how to grow and nourish the seed of new life that has been planted in fertile soil. But we must rid ourselves of earthly contaminants so that our growth is guaranteed. It’s a commitment to God’s dance, a lifestyle change, and a willingness to put into action what we have learned.
Will we misstep? Absolutely, we are human after all. But it is in the effort of our missteps where we learn, grow, and rejoice because God, our Father and partner, is waiting to welcome us back into His arms. His desire is to guide us into His perfect will for our lives and fortunately for us, He has given us the steps to follow: quick, slow, slow; quick, slow, slow.
Father, may we have the next dance?
God bless each of you. See you Thursday.
