Scripture: James 1:19-21
Know this, my dear brothers and sisters: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to grow angry. This is because an angry person doesn’t produce God’s righteousness. Therefore, with humility, set aside all moral filth and the growth of wickedness, and welcome the word planted deep inside you—the very word that is able to save you.
Thought for the Day: I have often thought that all middle schoolers should receive a tattoo on their forearm with the words, “be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to grow angry.” Parents, don’t freak out! I am not going to have Mariah plan this as the next youth group outing, but we as human beings need to have those words reinforced to the point that they are tattooed on our minds and spirits. The current culture of politics knows nothing of this. In fact, they model the absolute opposite. Though I don’t simply want to push this to politicians because they are being reelected by people who are ok with it or are doing it themselves. For James, it all begins with humility. Humility is tough stuff as it requires us to bite our lips, listen closely, not be offended, be vulnerable, sacrifice and believe that the Spirit of Christ will work best when humility is at its best. Let us work to plant those ideas deep within us. In doing so, the world around us will better resemble the character of Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Forgive us when we get defensive and angry about someone’s thoughts or opinions that do not agree with our own. Keep us focused on the real change-agent, Jesus Christ, your gift to this world. O Merciful God, you humbled yourself in Jesus. May your fleshly revelation be for us a model and mentor for our living. Amen.
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9am at the Church
Sunday’s Sermon
