I really enjoy reading in the book of James. I have gleaned so much from that book over the years. When Emmy died, it was the words from James 4 that gave us comfort and sparked the desire for “Be Unto Your Name” to serve as “her song.” (Take a moment to listen to the song and watch our tribute to Emily.)
James is full of so much meat, you could literally read it over and over again and find something different each and every time. And so much of what is contained there, I need to hear over and over again. Like this verse:
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
James 1:19-20
Now, mind you, never in my life have I “wanted” to be slow. I ran high hurdles in high school…slow was not a good thing there. I was on the quiz bowl team…slow was not a good thing there. I cook for a family of 7…slow is not a good thing there. I hate to shop…slow is not a good thing there. So, being slow is not really something I have found myself striving toward.
Slow *usually* equals INEFFICIENCY. But, the Lord’s wisdom is not man’s wisdom, so….SLOW IS A GOOD THING (when it comes to anger, that is).
If you take your time with someone…listen to them thoroughly…wait for the right moment to speak…refrain from knee-jerk reactions…THEN, the righteousness of the Lord will be produced. However, just because you were slow, does not mean God’s righteousness will somehow magically become fast! Remember that verse…”WAIT on the Lord” (Ps 27:14a)? Yet another slow word!
So, I have a very simple yet profound question for you today…
Fruitful Harvest says
Most of the time I am SLOW! But not always~
Thats why I love to garden,cook,bake bread and do art with the kids.(activites at home)
I enjoy being home with my kids not always running…..that helps me to be slow to anger and very gentle. I have time to pray and relfect as I work around the house.
I love to watch my kiddos play! They make me laugh!
Some people wonder why I love to be home most of the time~
When we are out and about(not at home) there are time frames to follow and I sometimes get stressed! (not so SLOW and I get a yell on!) LOL
Great post!
Blessings,
Georgiann
Jeff and Sarah says
James is one of my favorite books as well!
What you said about knee-jerk reactions reminded me of something that I recently saw over at I’ll Be Honest. It’s a short clip but really got me to thinking. The Lord has really used it to stir within me a desire for change.
It’s at http://www.illbehonest.com and you click on the clip called “Defensive People Are Prideful.”
Lord bless you, Amy! Thank you for the reminder. You have no idea how much I needed it today. We are leaving for a trip and on Friday my husband gets up at 2 am to spend time in prayer and Bible study before work…well, he woke me up about 30 minutes ago telling me that he had slept in! That NEVER happens!
When he gets home, I’m just going to tell myself “SLOW DOWN” instead of my natural instinct to race out the door. I think that might put a negative slant on the trip from the get-go!
Jo Princess Warrior says
Me and the Lord are working on it! 😉
Kimberly says
Amy,
I found your blog through “The ‘Me Time’ Myth” wEbook. It was very good and so is the post about slowing down. Thank you for the reminder. I just finished writing a verse-by-verse study for women through the book of James. When going through it I found that there are times in my life when I do just the opposite of God’s Words. I’ve been slow to hear, swift to speak, and swift to wrath…but God is merciful and He’s molding and shaping me every day.
I look forward to reading more on your blog.
Blessings, Kimberly
Tonya says
I am like you – I do everything FAST (even type – 90 wpm). Slow? Irritating! So thank you for reminding me that God’s ways are not our ways. Slow IS good.
Amy @ Raising Arrows says
Sarah,
Thanks for the clip…I’m going to head over and watch that.
Georgiann,
I like to be at home too!
Heart2Heart says
Amy,
So much wisdom to be found in just waiting for our emotions to die out of the anger we feel sometimes and allow God to speak to our hearts and fill our minds with His thoughts! Then, and only then, will we not sin in our anger!
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Fruitful Harvest says
Amy,
I wanted to add that when my mothering journey started 16 yrs ago…..I was a very different person then. I was almost always short with my kids.(I would get PPD) My walk with God was and is a journey that has stregthened over the years.
It has been in the past 6yrs that I have really mellowed out with GOD’s devine help!
Being SLOW helps me to see others differently.
I see the good in them and wonderful things GOD made them to be. Especially my kids and Hubby!
When I watch my kids doing their activites, I see into their hearts. Then when they do something wrong I can “see” their goodness in my mind and I then act with a gentle heart!
They still get disciplined but not in anger~
Sorry to have such a long comment…and I hope you underdtand what I mean?
Warmest Blessings,
Georgiann