Scripture
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." (James 1:22)
Observation
We love hearing and knowing God's word. We have all been there where we get pumped and excited but lack the energy to follow through. Most of the time, it's not favorable to do God's word because the truth can hurt, and the truth is hard. That is what God's word represents, his truth "logos." Soren Kierkegaard ponders on the idea of truth, "Something is missing in my life, and it has to do with my need to understand what I must do, not what I must know- except of course that a certain amount of knowledge is presupposed in every Action. I need to understand my purpose in life, to see what God wants me to do, and this means that I must find a truth which is true for me, that I must find that idea for which I can live and die," We must have desire beyond than just reading God's word and hearing a great message. God's word is living and active if that is true! God's word will activate with us when we take the initiative to do so! If not, we deceive ourselves through just listening yet ignoring the Action of God's word. We become disobedient Children of God when we know but do not do. John 13:17 says, "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."
Application
When my walk and calling with God has been frustrated, it is when I do not desire or do what God's word is asking of me, like to Forgive? Love your enemies? Pray for a stranger? Don't take that opportunity? God's words are like seeds as Jesus paints a picture of a farmer who sows seeds and our hearts are the soil, but our obedience is the agent that activates our faith to grow. When I don't obey or do, I hinder God's word from growing within me. Even as a Pastor and being a Christian for many years, "do what it says" is not always easy, especially when there's hurt, pain, or being humiliated because you were obedient is not always the best feeling. But I know that If I take Action on God's word, my integrity awaits a reward. That reward is freedom, walking in the light, and keeping my spirit clean.
Prayer
Lord, I pray I don't just listen with one ear for it to go out the other. Please help me to ground your word by taking Action with every step of obedience. Jesus, I desire to pledge a life that stays true to your word, as you have as well. Teach me to be led by your spirit and to honor you with my life. Amen
