23 Intentions for 2023 -- Studying the Bible -- A Book a Week -- JAMES

The Book of James is my "go to" reading to help renew my faith. John pulls no punches as he lays out in plain terms what it means to be a Christian.  In chapter 1, we get this warning: 

"19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."

"Righteousness" in this context refers to our compact with God and other humans. It is based on faith in and commitment to God. It is what we do for Him and each other. It is NOT about being "justified" or "right" from a moral perspective.

This hits me right on the nose as I am guilty of being quick to speak and become angry while being slow to listen. So, it's my intention to this year to remember this bit of wisdom:

'We have two ears and one mouth for a reason'

Listen. Pause. Reflect. Speak. 

Busy, busy, busy

In Luke 10: 38-42 Jesus visits Mary and Martha. Martha is busy preparing for Him while Mary sits at Jesus' feet, listening. Martha complains and asks Jesus to tell Mary to help with the preparations.

⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one.^[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Wow...this passage makes me realize that sometimes I'm too busy to stop what I'm doing and just spend time with God's word.