“Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
James 1:19 (NLT)
That scripture pretty much says it all. There really isn't any need for me to write a full length blog because I honestly couldn't have said it better than the Bible itself.
This message is something that's been on my mind for quite some time now and I've been focusing my energies on helping my children understand this concept as well. It's my hope that I'm able to teach them some things now that many adults haven't fully grasped yet so that by the time they're older, hopefully things will be a little less of a struggle for them.
I'm being honest when I say that although I've known this scripture since my youth, I've just recently learned how to obey it, and am still perfecting the craft.
God knew how important it was that this message be a part of his instructions as I'm sure he knows how difficult it can be for the human race to listen to others, know when to be quiet, and control their tempers.
I admit that on a daily basis I've probably failed at at least one, if not more, of these simple tasks. However, over the last couple of weeks I have made it a primary focus to get in a habit of all of the above and I have found that the most important of the three is also the hardest... being able to keep your mouth shut.
In these past few weeks, I have proven to myself that if you are wise enough to know when to be quiet, all the other requirements will fall into place. For example, if you are quiet and don't respond to someone who is arguing with you, it is much harder to get angry or for that feeling to escalate as it would if you decided to participate with your own verbal abuse in return. And naturally, if you are not speaking, you're going to be more inclined to listen.
Not only are we humans inclined to always have to say something, defend ourselves, share our opinions, etc. but I believe that it has become a misconception that the quiet person is the weak person, especially when it comes to matters of speaking up in order to defend yourself. This is a misconception that has been planted in us since childhood when we were often told to "speak up for yourself" as if we were failures when we did not.
As an adult, it's important to realize that quiet doesn't mean weak at all. On the contrary, it actually shows great strength and wisdom. It's not easy to choose your words wisely, pick and choose your battles, listen rather than being heard. Everyone wants to be heard.
You may be reading this and thinking that this small set of instructions is foolish but I challenge you to go until next week actually following them. The next time someone cuts you off, accuses you of something you didn't do, gossips about you or even yells at you, rather than responding with your usual words, try just smiling and thinking what you want to say instead. If you must speak, say something positive rather than what you may actually be feeling that way you fuel the peace and positivity rather than the anger.
You could even try writing in a journal so that you feel like you're getting it out and gain some relief but still you remain silent. Or simply take time to get away and go talk to God about it. He's the only one who truly understands what you're feeling at the time anyway so why bother trying to explain yourself to anyone else.
It's going to take some practice but I think eventually, if you can master these characteristics, you'll see how much more peaceful and joyful your life will become despite anything that may come on any given day. Besides, being quiet and listening is the best way to hear direction from God, which is what most of us are seeking from one day to the next.
I wish you much success should you choose to accept this challenge. I am on this journey with you and I'd love to hear more about yours. If you have any tips or advise you'd like to share with others to make it easier, any word of encouragement, please leave a comment or shoot me an email. I'd love to hear from you!
Until next Monday... XOXOX
No comments:
Post a Comment