In the Book of James, the author tells us we are to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. Today we will talk about speaking.
We should take time to think before we speak. Really think about what we want to say. Sometimes we want to be heard so badly we blurt out whatever is on our tongue. That’s not the way.
Take time to consider what you want to convey. This all starts with listening…
In The Book of James, Verse 1:9 the author tells us to “be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry.” Over the next few days we will examine this a little further.
James was the half-brother of Jesus. In his letter to the church of Jerusalem, we are encouraged to be “quick to listen.” I interpret this to mean listening should be our first choice when interacting with other people. How many times have I barely heard my counterparty because I wanted to get my voice heard? Too many to count…
Listening is an art form, and to really listen is exhausting. Listening is a verb, an action word. And when you rearrange the letters in the word “listen,” you get “silent.” This is not a coincidence.
More tomorrow…
When we tell people something, we expect them to believe us. But why wouldn’t they believe us?
Our reputation is extremely important when we are dealing with people. If we have the reputation of being one who exaggerates, the other party might be skeptical of what we are saying. Should our reputation be impeccable, then our credibility is secure.
Take inventory of what others think of your word. It might be telling you something…
People aspire to greatness. It’s not the same as fame because fame can be temporary. Great people tend to last, and their impact is felt for generations.
Do you want to be great? Start by being good…
Where do you go to get credible news? I do not see any news service, print or television, that tells the full story. There seems to be an agenda.
I believe it is important to keep up with what’s going on in the world. Currently there are wars being fought, some which might turn into larger, longer battles. You must stay aware of the happenings, but I encourage you to stop and think about what the news media tells you. They are vying for viewership, so they will try to keep you scared and tuned in.
Remember there is an agenda behind what you are hearing. Thankfully, God gave us brains to think and weed through all the noise…
Is your mindset one of abundance or scarcity? We become what we think about, so you and I are manifesting our thoughts into our reality.
My encouragement to you is to dream big, audacious dreams. Do not make your focus on money. Put your energy into fulfillment. This will keep your outcomes aligned with your values.
Poverty and dread are mindsets. So are health and wellness. Focus abundantly…
It seems our society has devolved into a culture of rudeness. People hide behind computer screens and say some ugly things to others with no repercussions. Politeness has always been admired by us in books, movies and in real life, so how did we get here?
People are stressed to the max. The cost of living has skyrocketed, everyone is in a rush, and we don’t have time to be polite. Yet, I say we do have time. We just don’t make the time.
Slow down a little. Make the time to connect with others. Be kind and polite, even to those who don’t deserve it. They probably need your kindness the most…
Many of us have heard people use the “if only” excuse. You know what I’m referring to. If only I was taller, more athletic, smarter, I had a better boss, better parents. The list could go on forever. They are simply petty put-downs, but we aren’t putting ourselves down even though it sounds that way.
God created us exactly how He wanted us to be. Each of us has been given unique gifts and talents. He expects us to use them to bring glory to Him, not ourselves. Glory means “high renown or honor won by notable achievements.” The glory goes to God because it was He who gave us the ability.
If you have been guilty of using the “if only” excuse, I encourage you to get rid of it. Eliminate it from your thinking. You are being critical of The One who created you, not yourself…
We are thinking every minute of every day. Our minds continue working while we sleep. We are unable to turn our minds off.
What we fill our brains with will dictate our thoughts. Fill it when junk and you begin to think in a small, distorted way. Filling your mind with rich history, art and The Bible will turn your thoughts to greatness for the greater good.
Keep your mind clear of negativity. Turn the news shows off. Read and absorb the works of Thoreau, Wilde, the Apostle Paul and others. Then, notice the change…
We are coming into political campaign season. All the “experts” in their political views will be alive and rampant on the internet. But do their opinions really matter to anyone besides themselves?
In my observation, I have never seen anyone affected by someone cramming their opinions down someone else’s throat. This applies to politics, religion, and even sports.
People must come to their way of thinking on their own. We should question ourselves, test our convictions and constantly evolve as we mature. This is part of the strength of a free society…
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