Saturday, January 24, 2015

James 1:19-21 ESV

(19) Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; (20) for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (21) Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

You might have heard of this phrase if you are familiar with the sport of basketball: “Be like Mike.” Michael Jordan, current owner of the Charlotte Hornets, is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all-time. Not only was he talented, but he was constantly obedient to practicing the basics of the game. His athletic ability was not the primary reason why he won six NBA championships, but his obedience to always improve his basketball skills. Unlike Michael Jordan, Evan Baxter in the movie “Evan Almighty” does not was to be obedient. In the beginning of the movie, “god,” portrayed by Morgan Freeman, instructs Evan to build an Ark. Though “god” reveals himself many times to him, he still intentionally avoids obeying the command to build the ark. Though it’s funny to watch the scene, I wonder whether or not sometimes as Christians we do the same thing as Evan.

One of the major concerns in the letter of James is obedience. Christianity is not simply a set of beliefs. It is a faith that is practical and affects the most basic interactions we have with one another. In James 1:19, we are encouraged to be “quick” in listening to the Word of God, but to avoid hasty speech and anger. If we don’t listen to God through His Word, we will be unable to control our tongue which will lead to our lives being characterized by a quick temper. Having a quick temper is not simply a lack of love toward the person you are angry with, but an act of distrust in God. Our anger can never change anyone’s heart.

            However, instead of acting in anger, we are called to “put away all filthiness.” Just as we would take off dirty clothes after being outside, we are called to put off the sinful action of anger. But how can we accomplish this? Through the receiving of the “implanted word.” The gospel in the Word of God must “take root” in our lives. In seeing God’s love displayed in the death of Jesus for his enemies, we are to follow his lifestyle of patience and love toward those who would attempt to stir up anger within us. We are prone to anger, but the gospel through the Holy Spirit gives us the strength to react differently to those who irritate us. So, are we going be like Mike or Evan? Let’s be like Mike and show this world the life-changing power of the gospel through our actions toward them.