Preachers’ “Speaking, Listening, and Obeying”

Churches today are being heavily scrutinized. During these difficult times, we face many trials and tribulations: endless conflicts, deceptions, the decline of faith, the lure of materialism, and so on. Some say churches of Christ are disintegrating; others say it is the best of times for the church. Whichever may be the case, we need God in all those situations. We need to build up our spiritual lives and gain wisdom and peace. Whether individual Christians are being cynical or feeling despair, churches still can renew and transform themselves through Christ. God’s wisdom is the source of life for His churches and us.

Words of Wisdom in Turbulent Times

The Book of James is a book about wisdom that clearly contains words of wisdom in a world of mixed values, giving us advice wholly different from what we get from the world and giving us hope even in our despair. The Book of James has a clear and specific conception of wisdom. James, the author, considers the practical needs of life, which shows his concern for human spirituality and social relations.

The message conveyed by James was targeted at prophets with eschatological outlooks and then contemporary political and social activists. These people resented the oppression of the weak by the Roman authorities and the rich, whom people regarded as unjust. As such, some of them took out their anger through violence. For example, some took the opportunity to rob, seeing plunder as compensation. Jewish Christians witnessed all these events and some unwittingly used the violent ways of the world to solve their problems (4:1-4). In their view, the “righteousness” of God is synonymous with social reform. They gradually became fanatic materialists and even went to war, eventually destroying Jerusalem.

Additionally, some Christians wanted to be other people’s teachers. However, they were false teachers for their messages and speeches were false. False teachers were motivated by their own selfish interests; their hearts harbored pride and ambition, intent on openly humiliating those who were not like them (3:13-14). They thought they were wise, but their “wisdom” stemmed only from self-centred human desires. Facing such a scenario, James admonishes brothers and sisters to rid their minds of filthiness and wickedness. They should also get rid of selfish desires and misplaced motivations. He stresses peace, encouraging brothers and sisters to accept God’s word with humility. Only in this way would they be able to address personal difficulties and social problems.

Practicing Wisdom by Speaking, Listening, Doing, and Obeying

The Book of James is about practicing wisdom with the above issues in mind. James points out that wisdom is something practical, not theoretical. With wisdom, people can discern between good and evil and act correctly. Being wise has nothing to do with a high IQ. Nor has it anything to do with inborn talents; it is a gift from God, who will generously give it to those who pray for it. Wise people are pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, impartial, and sincere. What sets them apart are their distinctive traits: tolerance, gentleness, restraint, and inner peace. From the Book of James, we realize that people of wisdom distinguish themselves by being quick to listen but slow to speak. Moreover, they practice their faith and obey the word of God. Following such a chain of thought, let us consider carefully the four aspects in which preachers of the truth practice genuine wisdom: “speaking,” “listening,” “doing,” and “obeying.”

Listening to the Implanted Word

First, it refers to a preacher’s listening ability. James advises the readers: “Don’t be deceived” (1:16). James thought that some of them in the community were being deceived for they questioned God’s goodness (1:5, 13) and treated Him like shifting shadows (1:17). They did not regard God as omnibenevolent.

Given what he witnessed, James put forth the idea of theodicy, indicating that God is all good, who “cannot be tempted by evil”; nor does He tempt anyone (1:13). God is not the source of evil, but the origin of every good and perfect gift. Hence, James urges us to pay attention to three main points within his theodicy. The first is that everything good comes from God (1:17a). Furthermore, God does not change (1:17b). Lastly, God regenerates us (1:18). Through the word of truth, God gives birth to a community of faith, becoming the first fruits, namely that the church is the first fruits of the redeemed world. James points out that the church is God’s regenerated community in which members must live a new life under the grace of God. The grace of this new life will bring forth a new way of living: “Everyone should be quick to listen.”

Since we are the first fruits of a new life, James advises that we should all be “quick to listen.” Preachers are the first fruits too. They should also be quick to listen. But what should we listen to? According to the Book of James (2:1-7; 3:13-4:12; 5:1-6), when we look at the community closely, we find conflicts and disputes among people and hear voices of violence and even murder (1:13-15; 4:1-2). People chase after the evil desires of the mind and walk on the path of sin and death. Having a new life and embarking on its road, we need inspiration and guidance. Our “desires” need to be monitored by “the implanted word.” Hence, community members must listen to “the implanted word” (1:21).

“The implanted word” is the “word of truth” (1:18), “which can save [us]” (1:21). It is “the perfect law that gives freedom” (1:25) and “the royal law” (2:8). “The implanted word” involves acts of kindness (1:26-27; 2:13, 15-16), being mindful of what one says (3:2, 10-12; 4:11-12; 5:9, 12), treating others justly (5:6), loving one’s neighbors (2:8), and so on. When “the implanted word” becomes a powerful force in our lives, we can act rightly and justly.

During the pandemic and in a time of social polarization, listening demands “superb effort.” Wise people need to listen to God’s “implanted word” to distinguish between true and false. They carry with them love and healing power that can bring others freedom. In this way, we are worthy of being the first fruits and members of a regenerated community. I hope every Christian possesses wisdom and is quick to listen to the “implanted word.”

Speaking Words of Kindness

Secondly, it is about preachers’ “speaking.” James admonishes that we should be “quick to listen, slow to speak” (1:19). For James, wisdom as a gift from God will affect how Christians speak. Wise people can keep their tongues in check (3:1-12), knowing that sharp verbal attacks and curses only lead to divisions in the community (4:1-3, 11-12). They are quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. The three acts are not only in sequence, but they also have a causal relationship. James means that when you listen carefully and speak prudently, you will not get angry as quickly or randomly. More importantly, wise people know that being angry will not bring about God’s righteousness; it will harm His justice: “because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (1:20). When people become angry, they are dull to the voice of God. Messy voices, including inner desires, will slowly fill their ears; they cannot hear the implanted word, causing instances of injustice. When people get angry recklessly without restraint, thinking it represents God’s justice, it leads to injustice. In other words, anger does not produce just acts.

In chapter 3, James talks about the three analogies relating to the tongue: bits in the mouth (3:3), a very small rudder (3:4), and a small spark (3:5b-6). The tongue is like a bit put into a horse’s mouth to make it obey. It is analogous to a rudder to steer a ship to sail. It is also like a small spark to set fire to a great forest. What James means is that a small thing can have an immense impact. The tongue can set the whole faith community on the right course, or lead it astray. James points out: “… the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts” (3:5a). Moreover, it is “a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (3:8).

In contrast, when we are slow to speak and speak “the implanted word,” our words can shape other people’s souls, identities, and self-images. If we often tell others what good things they have, reminding them that they are children of the Living God, God will create a space in their minds to accept all those words. Kind words, in turn, help shape their identities and build their self-images.

James points out that words are very significant. They can lead to injuries and tear people apart; they can heal and rebuild relationships, while good words can shape human souls. A person of wisdom understands the importance of both listening and speaking. May all of us be quick to listen and slow to speak, expressing “the implanted word” carefully and thoroughly.

Practicing True Faith

Third and lastly, it is about preachers’ “doing” and “obeying.” In addition to listening and speaking, preachers practice what they believe. James remarks that for people of wisdom, “actions speak louder than words,” who not only have faith in their hearts but also obey “the implanted word,” taking actions that reflect their faith. That means “do what you should do, doing things God has put before you.”

In chapter 2, James raises a series of questions, helping us clarify the relationship between faith and action: “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” (2:14-16) James notes that faith without deeds is dead. This kind of faith is useless, bringing no salvation. Simply put, faith is action; it is obeying “the implanted word.”

For James, the act of faith is compassion. “Compassion” is the correct expression of faith. The act of caring for others, especially those who can do nothing about their situations, like orphans and widows (1:27), the poor (5:1-6), the sick (5:13-16), and those who wander from the truth (5:19-20), can reflect this kind of faith.

Apart from caring for the poor, orphans, and widows, James also points out that the act of faith of the faith community is to protect it against worldly corruption. The “royal law” helps the church avoid being corrupted by the world because it provides the church with a moral vision and life guidance in keeping with God’s will. For example, in response to the problem of poverty and injustice, it would not follow what the world would do; it would not urge people: “Kill your enemies and get back the things that belong to you.” Instead, the church focuses on doing practical things to help the poor and those who suffer. The community of faith will be patient, praying continuously, caring for one another and practicing compassion, forgiveness, and justice, and steadfastly obeying the “implanted word.” Its members will be quick to listen, slow to speak, and carefully keep their tongues in check to sow the seed of peace and reap the fruit of justice.

As a member of God’s regenerated community, whether you are a preacher or not, it is essential that you listen, speak, act with faith, and obey God’s word. Wise people know how to listen, speak, act, and obey. May we all be good preachers of truth, able to believe and experience the reality of God; may we also listen to and speak His word, act with faith, and obey His word so that the world will do the same toward the truth. Amen.

* This article is adapted from the writer’s speech delivered at our Joint Graduation Ceremony (November 6, 2022). All Scripture quotations are taken from the NIV.

Feb 2023