The Judicial Temper.
This is one of the wisest and most difficult sayings in Holy Scripture. It commends itself to our good sense, and yet it is one of the hardest to be observed, for in one line we are bidden to be both swift and slow. Some Christian precepts can be obeyed deliberately. The propriety of obedience to them is not only felt beforehand, but can be realised at leisure, as when we resolve to help a friend, or enter some course of procedure the entry into which is made without agitation. But in the command before us the call is likely to arrive when we are least in the mood to listen to it. Thus, however plain the precept is, it is one of the hardest to be kept. And yet it concerns all, and intimately affects the happiness and usefulness of each. Note two or three of the chief ways in which we are called to the observance of St. James's command.
I. One is seen in the formation of opinions, specially in regard to religion and the spiritual condition of our neighbour. A common fault of religious people is impatience of instruction and a readiness to pass judgment upon others. When we think that we have got hold of great truths, we are tempted to assert ourselves confidently, to behave as if there were only insignificant details left for us to learn. We are apt to show indignation at what we believe to be human blindness or ignorance. We are tempted to reverse the order of Divine precept and to become slow to hear and swift to wrath. But in truth, as we are near God, so we realise our ignorance and His tolerance. Thus, instead of being eager to deliver our verdicts and to define His will, we hold back, lest our meddling interference and shortsighted decisions should mar the working of the Divine will, if not in larger ways, yet at least in our small circle and surroundings. We check our indignation in the presence of the great tide or stream of justice which is ever fulfilling itself.
II. St James's words should be applied also in small things. We are often disturbed and upset by what we call "trifles." We equip ourselves carefully for the ascent of a mountain, and then slip upon the common stairs. We take off our heavy armour, and thinking to repose after the din of battle, are stung by a fly. But the grace of God is intended to be used in small things as well as great. So it is in what we call nature. The law of gravitation affects the apple which drops from the tree and the spheres which move on in their courses. The glory of God clothes the lily in the valley and the sun in the sky. Divine force is used equally in the construction of the mountain and that of the molehill. And so each of us has daily need for the application of the great power which rules the world.
H. Jones, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xxv., p. 359.
References: James 1:21. J. Keble, Sermons from Easter to Ascension,p. 386. James 1:21; James 1:22. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. xxxi., No. 1847. James 1:21-27. H. Allon, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xxx., p. 103.James 1:22. H. Goodwin, Ibid.,vol. xxxiii., p. 373; F. W. Farrar, Ibid.,p. 289; Preacher's Monthly,vol. vii., p. 294; Clergyman's Magazine,vol. x., p. 81.