Be the doer and not the hearer alone hearer alone
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
The scripture text begins with a clear command: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." This is a call to action. It is not enough to simply attend church, listen to sermons, or read the Bible. These are essential practices, but they must lead to action. Our faith must be demonstrated through our deeds.
Imagine someone who enrolls in a gym, buys all the latest workout gear, and attends every training session, but never actually exercises. They may gain knowledge about fitness, but without action, they will not see any physical improvement. Similarly, spiritual growth requires more than knowledge; it requires action.
We are warned about self-deception. Listening to the word without acting on it can create a false sense of spiritual maturity. We might think we are growing spiritually just because we are exposed to God's word regularly. But James makes it clear that true growth comes from applying the word in our lives.
Consider a student who attends every lecture but never does any assignments or exams. They might gain some understanding, but without practical application, their learning remains incomplete. In the same way, our faith is incomplete if it does not lead to action.
James uses a powerful analogy to to make us understand better: "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." A mirror shows us our true reflection, but if we walk away and forget what we saw, the mirror's purpose is defeated.
The Bible is our spiritual mirror. It reveals our true condition, our flaws, and the areas where we need to change. But if we do not act on what we see, we are like the person who forgets their reflection. We must respond to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, make necessary changes, and live out God's word.
**IV. The Blessedness of Obedience**
James continues in verse 25, "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." There is a blessing in obedience. When we align our actions with God's word, we experience true freedom and blessing.
Think of a musician who practices diligently and performs flawlessly. Their dedication to action brings them the joy and fulfillment of their craft. Similarly, when we practice God's word, we experience the joy and fulfillment of living in His will.
In conclusion, let us not be content with merely hearing the word. Let us commit to being doers of the word. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and guide our actions. In doing so, we will experience the fullness of God's blessings and reflect His love and truth to the world.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for thr blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, help us to be doers of your word in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, grant us the strength and wisdom to apply Your teachings in our daily lives, in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.