James 1:22-24 – “But be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves. For if someone merely listens to the message and does not live it out, he is like someone who gazes at his own face in a mirror. For he gazes at himself and then goes out and immediately forgets what sort of person he was.”
With time I have come to realize an important lesson when it comes to self-control. I have realized that sometimes, our emotions do not respect our knowledge. For example, when anyone buys a pack of cigarette, he will see written on it, the hazardous and cancerous effects of smoking. However, though he knows it is harmful to smoke, his emotions desire it strongly that he actually goes for it.
Most often, we go ahead to do what is wrong not because we are ignorant of what is right to do, but because what we feel for overrules what we know. In the same vein, one can hear great Wisdom from the Word of God but will end up living contrary to them, because their desires want otherwise.
The reason why many of us are not enjoying God’s Blessings in His Word is, because we only listen to it but do not commit ourselves to do what it says. Beloved, it takes a conscious effort and determination to be obedient to God’s Word. That is why James in the text under consideration, instructed the Believers to be sure to live out the Word of God.
To James, if we only listen to the message of truth but we do not live it out, then we deceive ourselves. In other words, of what use is reading the Bible or going to church to listen to God’s Word if you have already hardened your heart not to put that Word of God into practice? It is just like the one who takes a look at himself in a mirror and within the next moment, forgets who he is.
Precious one, putting God’s Word into practice daily can be very difficult sometimes, (but beneficial). Our emotions, peers, or society may fight against us for doing so. However, He who walks according to the Precepts of God’s Word will always be justified and called Blessed. Be sure to live out the Word of God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for always speaking to us. Please Help us to move beyond mere listeners of Your Word to become doers also. Prosper us LORD, as we strive to live out Your Word, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Question for Meditation
Have I really resolved in my heart to live my life according to God’s Word?
DRAWING ON KING JESUS, WITH BUTCH HARTMAN
