03 Mar Quick or S-L-O-W by Carol McLeod
Quick!
S-l-o-w … S-l-o-w …
Quick!
S-l-o-w … S-l-o-w …
We all need to learn the value of the “Quick! S-l-o-w … S-l-o-w …” approach to life.
This philosophy has been around for nearly 2,000 years although, truthfully, not many actually put it into practice. It’s hard to discipline oneself to actually embrace this powerful life system, but once you get the hang of it, you will never regret it.
“ … Everyone must be quick to hear … slow to speak … and slow to anger.” – James 1:19.
What powerful advice from the actual brother of Jesus Christ that ricochets through the hallways of time. This advice holds as much power today as it did when James wrote these words to the suffering and persecuted church.
Did you know that it is more important to listen than to talk? It’s more important to look someone in the eye, hear the nuances of their heart and give them your full attention than it is to think of a rebuttal, to silently plan your rebuke or to think about what you are going to have for dinner tonight.
Men and women who know the value of making others feel valuable always embrace the “Quick! S-l-o-w … S-l-o-w” approach to life.
As much as politicians, preachers and media pundits might disagree, James and the Holy Spirit are in agreement – speaking is not the most important part of life. Choosing to listen well is the most critical decision you will ever make as a leader.
“S-l-o-w- to speak and s-l-o-w to anger” is the next part of this high priority discipline for life.
There should be very little in life that causes anger to erupt out of your soul. Perhaps it would be a benefit to each one of us if we determined to think for a long time and then to pray for a long time before we allow the seeds of anger to produce a bumper crop of impulsive weeds in the garden of our hearts.
“For the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” – James 1:20
When you quickly punish someone because you are angry you will never achieve the results that God desires. God’s righteousness is never ushered into a situation by punishing someone with a human and emotional response. Anger will often deny God’s true and wise answer to a difficult situation.
Ancient Judaism taught that to lose one’s temper was to forfeit the Shekinah glory of God in one’s life. Ouch!
“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty.” – Proverbs 16:32
Next time you are dealing with a truly difficult person, remember the “Quick! S-l-o-w … S-l-o-w … “ principle. It is, after all, what Jesus would do!