Ready. Set. Action!

The number ranges from 7,000-10,000 daily: What am I?

Stop and think about this for a minute. Kids and teens think through this.

Answer: words spoken per day.

Granted this is an “average” and it would not be uncommon for those whose jobs center on speaking to be close to 14,000 or more. Now this as indicated is only what is spoken and probably does not include texts, emails, and social media posts.

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

A saying I grew up hearing, as did maybe many of you. The point was to not let the names, words, and falsehoods people would say to you and about you hurt as much. However this type of denialism sometimes creates a very toxic inside. For some of us, where words are important and for some reason have a direct connection to our heart, it is not easy to do this.

Words are powerful!

They have the ability to give life and to take life. With a word you may feel loved and the next be rejected.

“Hear” the Word of Truth and Life.

This may be the “main” point of what James is talking about here, though I hesitate to say such because there is a lot here. However, if we realize that salvation is not just about accepting Jesus but living out Jesus then we are getting close.

John 6:68 NIV

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

The problem: we speak more than we listen!

The good news is we are not the first culture to experience this. James, the first letter of the NT probably written. From the beginning of time the Church, thus Christians as the people of God, have had a hard time with this problem. As our kids at the elementary school are trying to learn the habits of highly effective people we too must learn: to seek to understand then be understood.

Action: Listen to understand not respond.

There is a difference and we must learn it. This requires we be present through the whole conversation, take a breath before responding, speak back what is said, acknowledge the words and non-verbal words, and ask questions.

Human anger does not produce God’s righteousness.

There are times when anger may be appropriate, as in Jesus cleansing the temple, but we must be reminded we are too quick to justify our anger in the midst of injustice when we may be substituting one injustice for another. The righteousness of God here is not about our status with Christ but more about being pleasing to God and bringing about His justice.

Action: Humbly accept the Word.

As believers, we are indwelt with the Spirit of God and the Word of salvation. However, just like a seed growing among weeds it does not mean we produce the fruit of salvation. We must cultivate the soil of our souls and work out by good deeds the Word of God.

Salvation is a past decision with present day ramifications which extend into the future.

Salvation is not just a point in time; but it is a decision/action at a point in history that has consequences which continue into the present, and the future. All of Scripture, at least to my understanding today, makes this point. Just because the nation of Israel was chosen by God didn’t mean they “were saved”. Just because someone says, “I’m a believer/Christian...” doesn’t mean they are. The difference is seen in how we behave and live out this wonderful salvation.

Action: Do the Word of God; do salvation.

This is what is behind the parable of the man in the mirror. Now mirrors were not common to most in the 1st Century but it would almost be impossible to intently gaze at your existence and then forget.

Problem: “Religious” acts & behavior

We do not just do “good works” because they are good. We don’t just worship God because it is “right”. When we look at the Word of God we naturally do things based on God’s character and His calling. We do not just “add” good things to our plate and think we are good.

Action: Submit to God and humbly do His work.

The work of caring for widows and orphans was a reminder of the character of God. James is not saying only care for widows and orphans but the principle is those on the fringe of society. Those who can easily be beaten down.

Micah 6:8 NIV

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Jeremiah 9:23–24 NIV

This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.

Read. Set. GO!!

What will you do this week because you heard the Word of God?