COUNTERCULTURAL HUMILITY

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;  for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20

For most of us, living in the middle of the coronavirus crisis is a completely new experience.   Yet, I have noticed a sometimes arrogant confidence among some Christians. Convinced that they have the correct information they ridicule others, refuse to listen, show anger if challenged, and demand that everyone accept their solutions. Such actions do not ‘produce the righteousness of God’.
Crisis demands action but whatever opinions we have, we should first take time to humbly listen to others. To listen humbly, means to listen to the other person as a superior, as more knowledgeable.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

We may ultimately reject what we hear but only with humility will we be able to clearly evaluate the truth of what is being said. As we struggle to be patient while accepting restrictions or restarting church, it is important that all of us follow James’s advice to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger”. Listening carefully may slow down the planning process, but the testimony of unity (John 17:23) is worth it.
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Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 1 Peter 3:8