"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it - not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it - they will be blessed in what they do." -James 1:22-25
Whether I'm talking to my three year-old daughter or some of the 8th graders that I teach, there are times when I am talking that I know my audience is not really listening. Maybe they say "OK" or nod their heads, but when the time comes to follow the directions or put words into action, they can be lost. My wife and I often remind our daughter to be a "good listener", to actually hear what we are saying and then act on the directions.
James reminds all of us to be "good listeners" of God's word AND people of action! If we just read or hear God's word and do nothing, then we are fooling or deceiving ourselves into thinking that we are doing God's will. We nod our heads and smile, but then are lost when we should be in action.
We need to take time to linger on God's word, meditating on it, praying about it, and then acting on it. Don't sit back and wait on someone else to take action. God has called each of us to listen and to do! Don't glance at His word and then forget the meaning. Study intently so you are prepared for action. God will bless what we do when we put His word into thoughtful and prayerful action.
The next time you are listening to someone speak God's word or when you are reading God's word, ask God to help you look intently into its meaning so that you can put His word into action.
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for giving me Your word. Help me to study and look intently into Your word so that I can learn more, then help me to apply Your word through action for Your glory. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
James reminds all of us to be "good listeners" of God's word AND people of action! If we just read or hear God's word and do nothing, then we are fooling or deceiving ourselves into thinking that we are doing God's will. We nod our heads and smile, but then are lost when we should be in action.
We need to take time to linger on God's word, meditating on it, praying about it, and then acting on it. Don't sit back and wait on someone else to take action. God has called each of us to listen and to do! Don't glance at His word and then forget the meaning. Study intently so you are prepared for action. God will bless what we do when we put His word into thoughtful and prayerful action.
The next time you are listening to someone speak God's word or when you are reading God's word, ask God to help you look intently into its meaning so that you can put His word into action.
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for giving me Your word. Help me to study and look intently into Your word so that I can learn more, then help me to apply Your word through action for Your glory. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
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