James 1:19-20 – My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (NIV)

This just makes me so mad, I muttered to myself as I hunted in the basket, on the table and through my purse for the car keys. How many times have I told her not to take the keys out to the car ahead of me without telling me? I am absolutely going to give her such a blast when I get out there. I was in such a temper even my blood felt like it was boiling as it rushed around my body. Grrrrrrrrr.

Fortunately for me, I have been there and done this sort of thing more than once. "What's that?" you ask. Why, be slow to listen, quick to speak, and even quicker to become angry about something I figured someone else had done. So as I was growling and muttering and gnashing my teeth as I searched for my keys, that small, quiet, little voice of experience inside of me was crooning, Calm down; take it easy; stop and think before you act; don't think negatively; have you checked the pocket of the coat you're wearing? Well, no, I hadn't, but I did, and lo and behold, there were the car keys which I had obviously and unwittingly put there as I slipped into my jacket a few moments before. Boy, was I glad — even though I was feeling acutely embarrassed about my inner behaviour — that I hadn't flown off the handle and blamed the person I thought had marched off with the keys.

Blaming others is absolutely one of the easiest things in life to do, isn't it? It absolves us of responsibility, makes us feel superior, and gives us opportunity to vent our negative emotions. But, alas, it does not bring about the righteous life that God and we, as His children, desire.

The keys which bring about a righteous life, however, are not hidden. God has left them right out here in the open for anyone to find and use, if they so desire. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, and the righteous life that God desires for us will be unlocked.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the keys of righteousness which You offer to all who choose to accept and use them. Encourage our hearts this day, in Christ Jesus, to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, that we might indeed experience the righteous life You desire for us. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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