THE TAKEAWAY:

The Slow Life is God’s ultimate hack for sharing his peace and love

THE MESSAGE:

Flash Slothmore is the funniest and most charming character in the Disney universe; it’s not even up for debate. The DMV sloth moves at a glacial pace, taking excruciatingly long to get out a single sentence or stamp a form. In the movie Zootopia, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde need him to run a license plate in a hurry, but Flash (Hundred Yard Dash) Slothmore is taking his sweet time, even pausing to laugh at a joke.

The slow life is crucial in an obedient Christian life. In the Psalms, we learn that God is described as slow to anger. In Peter’s letter, we learn that God is slow to judge so that all might have time to repent. We are called to a similar lifestyle. In James’ letter, we are commanded to be slow to anger and slow to speak.

This is a holy and conscientious decision to withhold your opinion and your temper in communication with others. James states that quick answers (usually to defend yourself) and sudden outbursts are inappropriate tools for solving problems between people.

So what happens when someone says something offensive or wrong? We can pounce on it and defeat it with prejudice, or we can seek to understand the speaker better, offer a word of advice from our own perspective, and answer with gentleness and grace. Your listener will see Jesus’ spirit of care and love. That is the fastest way to show someone the real truth.

FIGURE IT OUT:

19 So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

James 1:19-21

  1. Circle or highlight any words or phrases that stand out to you. What makes them significant?
  2. Why is James so adamant about leaving your anger as a last resort in an argument?
  3. What benefits are there from withholding outbursts and quick retorts?
  4. How can you keep yourself from getting triggered in arguments and serious discussions?

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