A Lightbulb Speaks

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. (James 1:19)

Have you tried the new CFL lightbulbs? You know the ones that look like an ice cream cone? They are supposed to save energy, and therefore save the world. We recently replaced nearly everyone of our old bulbs with these new fangled types, and are therefore doing our part to save the world.

This morning, I again experienced one of my biggest complaints about these bulbs. They don't turn on immediately. I flipped the switch and was just about convinced that the bulb was not working when it decided to come on. Just a momentary hesitation while it warmed up, but enough to cause me to react negatively to the delay. That got me thinking:

Isn't it interesting how quickly we can feel upset about something and react to it? Especially in the realm of WORDS. James warned us to be "slow to speak," and that is good advice when we hear somebody say something that offends, disgusts, angers, or dismays us. We are tempted to react immediately to the offense, but Christ is better served by our silence.

The next time you flip the switch on one of those supposedly improved light bulbs, notice the delay, and remember to be "slow to speak."

Oh, and about saving the planet? The only way to do that, is to win it to Christ. May God help us all to be actively engaged in that greatest work of conservation today.