Delusional

Am I delusional or am I a doer of the word. I love when a phrase sticks out when you read the bible. James 1:22 came out of nowhere. I have read James more than any other book of the bible. It was one of the first books I ever taught through and the second half of James one has always convicted me. But I never noticed or I do not ever remember noticing a phrase in the NAS that asks if I am deluding myself to think that all I have to do is hear the word. What a powerful picture. I have no desire to be called delusional. I know I always want to be someone who has a firm grasp of reality. In fact I get annoyed when I feel like people do not see things as the really are (or if I was honest, how I think they should be seen). But here James is saying you are delusional to think that all you have to do is hear the word and that makes you right with God. We are called to be effectual doers not forgetful hearers. Wow, I get the picture of a three year old being asked to get something and then never coming back with what you asked them to get. Then you ask them “why didn't you bring me what I asked you to bring.” They respond “I forgot.” How often do we say this to God. How often are we delusional. I know I switched to we. It is because it lessens the blow when I think of the fact that I am not the only delusional one. Not that I am always delusional. I think I am more than I like to realize but with time I hope by God's grace I will be better at doing what I know to be right. Again it is nice when the word comes alive.

Will I ever learn

Tonight as I study the book of James I was hit with truth. It seems that God uses the book of James in my life as a keel a rudder. When I was in high school. My youth pastor would take us sailing. I love to sail. It has been many years since I have had that pleasure. Sailing always amazed me because you are in the middle of a large body of water letting the wind power you. Under the water you have this keel and rudder. The keel keeps you from flipping over and the rudder helps you control where you are going. It seems anytime I need my life to be checked God has me in the book of James. I get as one friend puts it “yelling at.” Tonight I read through the whole book of James, which I have done on many occasions. It seems no matter how many times I read James, God uses the same passages in my life.

For instance James 1:19-20 “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.” I do not consider myself an angry person. I would not say that I struggle with anger issues. I am reactive and emotional. I am not the type to cry, but I am the type to react quick and usually selfishly. When I read this passage it screams at me to be less reactive. Because God is in way more control than I. He understands the situation and he is not counting on me to make the situation right.

My youth pastor wrote a book and in it he said their church has a 24 hour rule. It is where you are allowed to take 24 hours to blow off emotional steam and react to yourself or someone you know that can handle you venting. After that 24 hour period it is your responsibility to use wisdom and a level head to make the wise choice in the given situation. That to me is quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. You have the right to be human, but no right to make a rash or harsh decision.

At some point I pray I will be able to step back easier from situations and trust God more than I trust myself. If he created the world and holds it together, then who am I to think he needs my opinions. He may ask for it, but it is not because he needs it. He may desire me to work in a certain situation, but it is not because he needs me. It is most likely a testing of my faith so that my faith can grow and I can become more like him. At some point I may learn this and use this. But, so far, I seem to fail in these situations.