ONE QUICK, TWO SLOWS

James 1:2-20
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. . . . 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. . . . 12 Blessed is the man who
perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. 13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. . . . 19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

In a presentation to a Congressional subcommittee, a US Air Force general said that an asteroid could trigger a nuclear war. At least 30 times a year, the general said, a space rock enters our atmosphere and explodes, releasing energy equal to that of an atomic bomb. The United States has satellite instruments that quickly determine if the explosion was a nuclear weapon or an asteroid. Butother nations with nuclear capabilities don't have such instruments. During a time of heightened tensions with military forces on alert, a natural explosion could start a war, all because of a quick reaction to a misperception.

Nations don't have a corner on misunderstandings and retaliation. A lot of friendships and families have been plunged into conflict when someone struck back after an imagined attack. A joke, a comment, or a look can seem like a deliberate attack on us. We are most vulnerable to this kind of misjudgment when we're stressed out and on edge.

The book of James was written to Christians who had been displaced from their homes by persecution. After encouraging them to persevere under the trials that come to test their faith, James offered this warning: "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires" (James 1:19-20).

When we are quick to listen, we try to hear what others are actually saying, not what we think they mean. Being slow to speak allows time to process their words without immediately concluding, "She/He said that just to hurt me." Being slow to become angry allows a further interval to defuse a tense situation.

When you're tired, under pressure, and emotionally vulnerable, ask God for the strength and wisdom to avoid lashing back at others. "One quick plus two slows" can prevent the kind of conflict in which nobody wins. --Dave McCasland

DESTINATION POINTS

* What recent misunderstanding and retaliation has created conflict in my life?
* How could following the "one quick and two slows" method have helped me in that situation?
* Have I asked God for wisdom (James 1:5) to deal with difficulties?

LINKS:
Moses: His Anger And What It Cost Him
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0716

bottom line: Move quick--and slow--to end conflict.

soul journey