https://odb.org/2025/01/13/scouting-for-truth
James 1 NIV – 19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
It is interesting to note that more often, when confronted or in a conversation, we tended to behave like soldiers. We want to defend our position, and sometimes, in the process, the atmosphere is unwittingly escalated, and we end up quarrelling. This occurs, I believe, more often between husband and wife. A small thing like, “Did you put this here,” could potentially be turned into an explosive argument. Of course, quarrels between spouses are usually quickly reconciled. However, we can not be assured of the same between friends and colleagues as some have long-lasting effects.
That is why it is better to be a scouting soldier than a mere soldier out to defend our positions. In the army, there is always an elite group that goes out first to survey the terrain and possibly infiltrate into enemy territory before calling in the big guns – whether airstrikes, artillery, or the infantry. The scouts usually don’t attack as they are hidden. They are there to observe and report back. They have to be objective and tell it as they see it. Often, the success of the mission depends on their observations. That is why nowadays, people speak of a soldier or a scout mindset. Which are we?
This distinction is a most useful application of James 1:19 as our standard of behaviour is to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to becoming angry. If we adopt a scout’s mindset, who is open to contrary viewpoints and always seeking the truth, it will be easy to meet James 1:9. Unlike a soldier, a scout wants to get to the bottom of the situation. The more information is shared by the counter-party, the more accurate the assessment will be. So we will listen rather than speak. If we are not out to defend, we will be less likely to become angry quickly.
A note of caution. The Word of God also has a standard when it comes to scouting specifically. Remember the 12 spies sent out by Moses to spy and give an account of the Promised Land? In spiritual matters, we need to look not in the natural but with eyes of faith, believing in God’s ability to move mountains. Always remember Joshua and Caleb.
Have a scout’s mindset, and we will be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to become angry. It will be an excellent testimony of God’s work and grace in our lives if we can live out our lives in that fashion. But also remember that when it comes to formulating plans for ourselves or the church, we must always move with eyes of faith and not with our own strength in the natural.
Have a good week ahead, everyone! Be a scout rather than a soldier!
Ronnie's Thoughts 