Character-Shaping Wisdom

God is very involved in the lives of His people, developing and refining Christ-like character in each of us.

The Book of James has much character-shaping wisdom for us to receive and apply to our lives, including:

Be doers of the word, and not hearers only / Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. (v.22)

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and

slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

~ James 1:19-20

QUICK TO LISTEN

1. First Priority - Listening to God (Always have a listening ear)

• God speaks to us… are we listening?

o We put high value on Bible reading, writing down and praying about things God is saying to us. Also in the ‘everydays’ of life. Hear and Do.

• He who has ears to hear, let him hear…

o Phrase found many times in the teachings of Jesus and in the book of Revelation.

• Helpful to have ‘quiet times’ - ‘Stillness’ is valuable in hearing God…

o Be still and know that I am God. ~ Psalm 46:10

2. Listening to others… Are you a good listener? = Valuing -

• People need someone who cares ‘to talk to’ – Especially now!

• There is a growing unwillingness to listen to others in our culture today…quick2 judge/cancel

• He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him ~ Proverbs 18:13.

SLOW TO SPEAK

1. Remember: Death and life are in the power of the tongue. ~ Proverbs 18:21

• Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. ~ Proverbs 13:3

• He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit ~ Proverbs 17:27

• A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. ~ Proverbs 15:1

• Don't shoot off your mouth, or speak before you think. Don't be too quick to tell God what you think He wants to hear. God's in charge, not you—the less you speak, the better. ~ Ecclesiastes 5:2 (Message)

SLOW TO BECOME ANGRY – How short is your fuse? (Becoming aware by experience)

1. Keep close watch on the condition of our heart and the character of our response to those we disagree with. Extend grace upon grace, as Jesus would. Vital in these days!

• He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. ~ Proverbs 16:32

• Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. ~ Eccl 7:9

• A quick-tempered man does foolish things... ~ Proverbs 14:17 NIV

2. For man's temper (anger) is never the means of achieving God's true goodness.

– We are Jesus people; we are Kingdom people on a mission from God – the Great Commission!

God is working His character in us. We, the Church, are to be a transforming presence, sent-ones into the world to represent Jesus and minister in His name..