Ep 1: Slow to Speak

Click the player above to listen to the podcast or read the transcript below.

INTRO

Tips from God. How to live life well.
A user’s guide for those of us in the trenches of life.

The goal of this Monday podcast is to share a tip with you on how to live life well.

These tips aren’t from the latest media guru or megastar on social media. These tips are from Someone who is an actual expert on how to do this life thing the right way — God.

The key for each of us is to try to apply this tip every day for the next week as we seek to make it a habit in our lives.

Episode 1: SLOW TO SPEAK

Let’s begin with this passage of scripture.

“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 (ESV)

I want to focus on just one of the items in this list — slow to speak.

I don’t know about you, but I have a tendency to speak quickly in many situations.

Let me give you an example

CUTTING IN ON SOMEONE ELSE’S STORY

If someone starts talking about a vacation they took to Disneyland, for some reason, I want to jump right in and tell them about my experiences at Disneyland. I’ve gone to Disneyland dozens of times and I have so many stories to tell.

They are great stories. Some are funny. Some are great descriptions of the rides. Some are fascinating observations of people.

Who wouldn't be enthralled just listening to me tell those stories?

Well … probably the person who wanted to share a story about their trip to Disneyland.

But I ruined it for them when I quickly took over the conversation.

THIS WEEK

I know there are other examples of being “slow to speak.” You could be talking about politics, or the latest news stories, or the latest gossip about a person, but I would encourage you this week to just focus on this one aspect of being slow to speak — letting others tell their stories.

Each day, ask the Lord to bring people into your life who have a story to tell.

It might be a simple story. Perhaps they were very busy at work, or had a chance to reconnect with a friend from high school, or are thinking of applying for a new job.

Even if it is a simple story, remember it’s their story.

Don’t feel you have to jump in and share your “version” of a similar story.

“Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”
Proverbs 29:20

Listen to what the person has to say and maybe even ask them a few questions that will encourage them to share more about their story.

EVERY DAY

Try to apply this tip from God every day this week as you interact with other people.

See if you can make it a habit as you seek to live life well.