“Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” James 1.19 NIV
“Unhappiness, loneliness, and lack of success are the result of relational difficulties.”
My thoughts today are about “plays well with others.”
One of the earliest signs of even the youngest child for later success in life is “plays well with others.” The reason is simple enough. Everyone’s opportunities in life and therefore their levels of achievement depend upon the good will and assistance of others along the way. If you are not a team player, appreciated and well liked by others, showing interest in the success and well being of others, and helpful in their efforts, you will not likely find the help that you also will need when you might need it most.
It seems that something so simple is a challenge for many, and for some a life-long deficit even as adults. There are two mistakes that are deadly for relationships: first, that you don’t need help; that’s arrogance. And secondly, that you don’t need to be helpful; that’s selfishness. 1 Corinthians 12: 18-21/ 26.
Most people’s unhappiness, loneliness, and lack of success are the result of relational difficulties – not knowing how to relate to others in a winning way. People don’t always fail because of lack of opportunity or deficient abilities. Some talented people simply aren’t likable. They disregard or lack acceptable social concerns and skills. They never outgrew a toddler’s “me first” attitude.
Truly successful people genuinely care about others, and are well liked. Their friends and co-workers want them to succeed, and rejoice when they do.
Today’s verse gives three helpful points of advice for “playing well with others.”
(1) Learn to listen with interest and regard. You are only learning when you are listening. It is not as important that people hear what you have to say, as your profiting by listening when you are wise to do so. Proverbs 18.13.
(2) Be wise in what you say. You don’t always need to say everything that you think. Let your words be few, but with substance and integrity. Learn both to speak up, and to shut up. Words can hurt or heal, reflect wisdom or expose ignorance, bring peace or breach. Use them wisely and sparingly. Proverbs 18:20-21/ Psalm 19:14.
(3) Control your emotions. Emotions should serve you, not rule you. Refuse to react to other’s opinions or arguments. Don’t get swept along in someone else’s agitation and anger. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9.
My prayer for you today is to value others highly and treat them accordingly.