James 1:19-21

^“19 My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, ²⁰ for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. ²¹ Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you.”

Most of us would agree that we struggle putting this passage into action. Naturally, our flesh conducts the exact opposite of this passage; we are slow to listen, quick to speak, and the result is quick to anger. I am always reminded of the saying, “We have two ears and one mouth for a reason!” This should be a constant reminder to place more of our focus on listening instead of speaking.

In this passage, James is also showing us how to receive the Word of God. As believers, we cannot do enough good or work hard enough to earn God’s purification. Matthew 7:15-20 says, “¹⁵ Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. ¹⁶ You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” We must be bearers of good fruit!

In order to bear witness as believers and bear good fruit, we must prepare our hearts to receive the Word. As believers, we should always be quick to hear God’s voice – be “at the ready!” I am afraid that many fail to hear God’s voice because we fail to draw near to Him. Do you find yourself spiritually stagnate? Reevaluate what you are spiritually feeding yourself and fill yourself with the pure spiritual milk of the Word.

James continues to note that we should be “slow to speak” and in turn preparing our hearts to receive the Word. The more we speak, the more we find ourselves reinforcing our own intelligence and thereby relying on self! Proverbs 10:19 says, “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” – Enough said!

Finally, James reminds us to be slow to anger. The evil one uses the spirit of anger to cause such terrible divisions within our churches, families, friends, communities, nations, people groups, etc. The destructive nature of anger produces the exact opposite of what Christ is building up within us. James encourages us to prepare our hearts to receive the Word just as a well-tended garden. Remember, this takes daily work!

Question: How will you begin to prepare your hearts to receive the Word in order to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger?

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

Matthew 11:28-30

^“28 “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.²⁹ All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

What a beautiful image of peace for those who are weary and burdened. In fact, Jesus was speaking exactly to the people who felt the weight and burdens of religionism and legalism during that day. Jesus was offering a better way; He simply said “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Again, this was and is a promise. I am always in awe of His promises because they are true and never-changing.

During the ancient days, the people felt the heavy yoke that the Pharisees placed on them from a legalistic point of view. Today, we are not exempt from these heavy burdens that may have been inadvertently or even intentionally placed on us. These heavy yokes may represent addictions, expectations, modern religionism, etc. Sadly, these worldly yokes only increase burdens and exacerbate weariness. The lies of the evil one reinforce this type of worldly ideology. One will remain heavy-laden if searching for rest and peace by what the world can offer!

If you find yourself searching for peace by means of this world, stop and answer the call of Jesus by simply coming to Him, taking up His yoke, and learning from Him which will give you great peace. I am not surprised that there is a billion dollar industry devoted to self-help, inner-peace, and meditation. The people of this world are constantly searching for inner-peace. Rebuke the lies of the devil and turn from the ways of this world that will only increase your burdens. Take up the customized yoke that only Jesus can provide for you which is easy and light. Allow the God of all creation to carry your burdens and learn an inner-peace that only God the Father can provide.

Question: Do you yearn for this type of rest and peace? Take up His yoke today.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta