With some encouragement from Aunt Joyce I am going to attempt to more fully engage my thoughts on the issue of being slow to speak and what I intended that to mean or not mean. As I reread point three from the previous blog post, this point is unclear and incomplete.
Through this section of scripture (in James) I was reminded of the importance that I need to listen first and not always jump into talking about something that I am frustrated about (this is especially true in my relationship with my husband). There are some days that are so long and instead of stopping and giving specific things over to Jesus I try to "fix" things or "speak about" things in a rash matter. This does not glorify the Lord....at least in the majority of the cases it fails miserably. Often times I start "talking" to Chris without talking to Jesus. The times I talk to Jesus first are the times things work out the best.
With all of this said, it does not mean I should be slow to speak in regards to the things of Jesus and issues that are rooted in His truth. There are times to speak loudly. There are times in my head that I vividly remember speaking up in regards to Jesus, but there are also just as many vivid times (if not more) where I have walked away knowing I should have said something or I should have said more. These are times and actions I will be held accountable for. I have a heart to know when to speak and desire to do so clearly. I believe that only occurs by being in the word and trusting the Holy Spirit to guide my entire life...actions and words. It pains me to look back on some situations knowing that I should have just allowed the Spirit to do His work.....I should not have gotten in the way. In those times I should have just let go and let God do what He wanted instead of getting in the way.
As my Aunt Joyce reminded me....there are times we are called to speak. We are called to step out of our comfort zone and address issues and situations that we would like to avoid. However, when we are in complete disobedience when we choose to walk away from the opportunities Christ gives us, and we will be held accountable. In the same way I have learned that I need to be slow to anger and speak....I am reminded that I need to be bold and courageous in speaking about the things of Jesus. Thank you for your challenge on this issue Aunt Joyce...I really needed to be pushed on this! I deeply love you and thank you for allowing me to continue thinking through these thoughts!
1 Peter 3:14-16
14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
3. James 1:18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.
Listening and Doing
19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Slow to speak and Slow to Anger. I want to live this. I have learned that this is really helping me. So often I have a tendency to just "speak my mind" and I have tried to do better at not doing this.
I'll just leave it there right now...tons of things I am currently processing through...
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