Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak

You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. James 1:19

If I think I’m never wrong, I’m arrogant and full of pride.

If I think another person is never wrong, that’s idolatry and putting a man (or woman) in a place meant only for God.

I’ve learned I can’t live in an echo chamber. I can’t only listen to what I want to hear. I can’t cherry pick the Bible to make it work for me. Sometimes I have to step back, listen, and reflect. I need to pause and pray and study the Word to be sure that I’m not taking scriptures out of context … that what I’m saying and believing is true . . . I need to go back to the Bible, often back to the original text, and dive deeply into what I’m being taught to be sure that the people I’m following, that I’m both listening and looking to, are truly following and teaching the Word of God. I have to realize that something sounding or feeling good is not the measure by which truth is decided. We don’t force the truth to match our theology, but our theology to match the truth. Further, we don’t bend scripture to line up with our worldview, but instead, our worldview should be bent toward scripture.

I’ve thought a lot recently about criticism. When, if ever, is it appropriate? When is it not? I strongly dislike it when people create a career or a ministry solely for the purpose of criticizing others. But the reality is we all have blind spots. Blind spots in our own personal beliefs. Blind spots when it comes to those we see as leaders and mentors in our lives. I also know that, as a Christian, there are times when it my responsibility to not only stand up against sin, that one is obvious, but also, I must stand against false and erroneous teachings. On the flip side, I also have the responsibility to stop and listen when others are calling me out as well. Does that mean I’m always wrong? No, but it’s possible I am. Does it mean I’ll change my mind? Maybe . . . maybe not. But as the old adage goes, God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. As a follower of Christ, I am commanded to test and examine that which I’m being taught and that which I’m believing, and I must be sure I’m not just listening to what gives me all the warm fuzzies.

We urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek what is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit, do not utterly reject prophecies, but examine everything; hold firmly to that which is good, abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, and they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But as for you, use self-restraint in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:2-5