QUICK, SLOW, SLOW - Part 2 of 3

In Part 2 of this three-part series, the Lord has me working on the first of two admonitions to go “slow.”


“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry..." (James 1:19 NIV)


SLOW TO SPEAK
I’ve never been accused of being slow to speak. I only wish that would happen. I love jumping into the conversation, and it is only lately, over these past few years, that you could say I’m beginning to be more reserved when it comes to speaking what is on my mind.


What I’ve found is what you probably already know about being slow to speak. If you're anything like most leaders, what to say comes naturally to you. It is easy to speak our mind, for God wired most of us with the gift of speaking our thoughts out loud. After all, that is the only way I know that we can lead others. We can’t expect them to read our minds, now can we? However, there are several skills that we must master to be the most effective leaders we can be, for Christ’s ultimate glory and honor. Some of them that come to mind for me to improve are:

• Refraining from jumping into conversations too early.
  
• Avoiding interrupting others.
  
• Thinking before I speak.
  
• Holding back speaking out loud what is going through my head.
  
  
  

Later on in this chapter, we read: “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” (James 1:26 NIV)


Ouch. That hits home. While I don’t consider myself religious, and nor do I want to be, this passage clearly speaks to me. For me, religion is a set of “dos” and “don’ts” that can cause me to become spiritually prideful. I can develop a long list of great things I am doing, and tout those things for you, to say: “Look at me. Do you see what a great Christ-follower I am.” Yet, God intends me to have a governor on my tongue, and not do that, or any variation on the theme of being loose-lipped about anything that may puff me up, or put someone down.


Where I feel complete freedom is encouraging Christ-followers and non-believers alike to deepen their relationship with God. For those leaders in the Christian faith, to continue growing into more obedient followers of the Way shown to us by Jesus Christ. To those people who have not yet put their faith in Christ, I am free to encourage them, but with these words of wisdom:


“But in your hearts revere 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV) Gentleness and respect are excellent guardrails to keep me interfacing with others in a manner that honors Christ Jesus.


CONCLUSION
If I am slow to speak, then Christ-followers will be edified, as will those who have not accepted Jesus Christ. My witness honors God when I keep tight control over the words that come out of my mouth. And, of course, that implies that I am also controlling my thoughts, for out of my heart and mind spring forth my words. May they be a blessing to all who hear them.


Your aspiring servant, Daniel M.
February 05, 2024
POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ.