Achieving Righteousness

 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures. This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. (James 1:18-20 NASB)

This text is often cited in reference to interpersonal communication. Stephen Covey famously stated that when we are talking with others, we should “seek first to understand, then to be understood.”  Similarly, it has been surmised that God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason—we should listen twice as much as we talk.  Yet if we carefully examine the context of this popular passage we will find a subtle connection with the word of truth (v. 18).

Every believer needs a constant connection with the Word of God.  We are blessed when we meditate on it day and night (Psalm 1).  When James wrote his book, the common way people received the Word was through speech.  Indeed, preaching and teaching were vital means of learning the Word of God (Romans 10:14).  But not everyone was happy about it in James’ day, and the same holds true for us.

Have you ever gotten mad at your pastor for his message only to realize later that it was God you were really angry with?  I have.  The Word of truth cuts us when we are living falsely, and we don’t like it.  When the Scripture says, The Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12), we see the metaphor but know it often comes painfully close to a literal reality.  Additionally, the Word of truth doesn’t just prick us from the pulpit; it hits us during the week as well.

Have you ever broken off communication, or secretly resented someone for “calling you out” with a verse of Scripture?  Yes, we know that people will have their opinions, but everything changes when we are confronted with chapter and verse!  Today’s Scripture admonishes us to be careful how we receive it, for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

St. Augustine once got into a verbal spat with a man who said in anger, “Hear me, hear me.”  The theologian replied, “Neither let me hear thee, nor do thou hear me, but let us both hear the apostle.”  This is wise counsel that we would all do well to heed.  Let us all hear the Word of God and receive it well. Rev. Jason R. Walsh is Youth Pastor at Whiting Bible Church and a contributor to Real Victory for Real Life Volume 2

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 59-61; Mark 14:1-26

Quote of the day:  Defeat is certain if we are constantly contemplating defeat…as soon as our eyes are set on ourselves, we will surely fail. Watchman Nee

Bible Memory: I cling to your testimonies, O Lord; let me not be put to shame! I will run the course of your commandments when you enlarge my heart. – Psalm 119:31-32