Prepare to listen and do!

It recently occurred to me… I have talked more than I have ever wanted to.  As I get older, I realize it is better to keep my mouth shut and think, rather than talk without thinking.  On the other hand, if you do not talk, then assumptions are made and people can sometimes take assumptions in a really bad direction.  The issue only gets worse with all of the texting, Facebook, email, etc.  It really all comes down to balance.

“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.  Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” James 1:19-24(NIV)

The key seems to be in our reliance in God.  We go through life breathing, eating, talking, and sleeping without even thinking about it.  I heard about a lady who would wake up,  roll out of bed, get onto her knees and ask God to forgive her for the thousand sins she had done since she had awakened and the millions more that she would do during that day.

Did this lady rely on God? Do you rely on God?  Do you ask God for help? Are you quick to anger?  Does everyone owe you? Do you read His Word and forget about it? Do you not remember what you look like after looking in the mirror?