Why is it that so many professing Christians seem to be so excited about Christ and His Word when they first become believers, but over a period of time, they lose that excitement; they lose that hunger for God’s Word? 

 

One answer may be that they were not truly saved (Matthew 13:22; John 10:27).  But those with saving faith can also lose their zeal.  The reason is they do not maintain a godly attitude for the Bible.

 

James 1:19-20 gives us three ways to continue to have a godly attitude toward the Word of God.

 

1.      “Quick to hear” (v. 19a).  This is talking about the public reading of Scripture with oral instructions.  We should be eager to sit under good preaching and teaching.  If this is not very important to you, there is something wrong with your attitude.

 

2.      “Slow to speak” (v. 19b).  We must strive for accuracy when we teach God’s Word.  God says He will judge teachers with a “stricter judgment” (James 3:1).  We must also be careful when we say the Bible teaches a certain doctrine.  God is offended when we misrepresent His Word.

 

3.      “Slow to anger” (vs. 19c-20).  When God’s Word convicts us or reproves us, we must not react in anger.  Only a submissive will produces righteous attitudes and actions.

 

Is your testimony the same as the psalmist?  “O how I love your law!  It is my meditation all day long.”  If you cannot say this sincerely, you better check your attitude.