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
Years ago, Janice and I took line dancing classes with our friends Nadean and John. While I am admittedly uncoordinated and have little sense of rhythm, I still found the lessons fun. Each dance had different steps and tempo. For example, the Texas Two-Step had a quick, quick, slow, slow pace. These steps must be done in sequence to be done correctly, and when executed properly, it appears smooth and graceful.
This lesson from James has a rhythm of quick slow slow, which, if followed in sequence, reflects a different kind of grace. The grace of God within us. The first step, quick to listen, is of primary purpose. If we bypass that step, it completely changes the tempo. We may still be slow to speak and anger -- both excellent in their own right, but we fail to hear and understand the why. In being quick to listen, we can appreciate the situation before our next steps -- we are leading with our right foot.
God, of the dance of life, please help us to be quick slow slow. Be with us in the listening, in the speaking, and our actions. May the way we behave in every situation glorify you. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
