But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only,
deceiving your own selves. James 1:21-25
I had the pleasure of hearing an encouraging word with rich nuggets over the
weekend. Always while listening, I am “listening” and jotting down key points, which
sparked today’s title. As I begin to write, it made me think of the scripture
in James that speaks to being doers and not just hearers of the word. It is so
easy to hear a good word and then not meditate on the content. When we do this,
we usually end up losing out on the effectiveness and the power of the word and
how it is applicable to our lives. This is such a powerful passage that it is
worth delving into for inspiration because we cannot be just hearers of God’s
word and not do.
This small little word carries a lot of
weight. Let’s look at its core meaning. The word do indicates that someone
performs an action, an activity or a task. It is also a verb, which denotes
action. Which tell me that when faith, which also signifies action, is activated,
it produces doers. That statement alone is something to chew on for a minute.
If we would take hold of the word and
apply it accordingly and without hesitation (taking God at His word without
question), we would not only be inspired but motivated to do the word. It is
more than measly or pointless words written and more than the little knowledge
we obtain, but it is proven and demonstrated by our obedience. First, we must study
to show ourselves approved unto God, listen to the Spirit of God, get an understanding,
and then do (acting upon) what the word says. In other words, true hearing is more
than just listening; the word must be received, meditated on, and then applied
because hearing involves an obedient response to God's word. Simply stated,
faith will cause us to obey the word.
James makes it very clear what is needed
as doers of the Word. I love the explanation of NIV says: 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.
In the passage, James imparts wisdom and
is passionate about sharing what is the outward evidence or proof of what inner
faith looks like, as well as the works of that faith and the characteristics of
that faith. Chapter 1 is profound and clearly a testament of what faith looks
like and what faith displays in works and how faith will produce a doer. If and
when we believe God at His word, and begin to have a true understanding of Him,
we will desire to please Him. We will yearn to not only become a listener, but
a doer. It will be us in action, doing the word!
My question: what is the purpose of
receiving and having the word in us if we are not living to our full potential
as God intended and not utilizing the word to benefit ourselves; let alone
trying to be a carrier of the word to give to others? Why would we want to live
beneath the promises of God and settle for less? We were not born to be
average; we are children of the King! This is certainly food for thought and
should give us something to meditate on. Even Joshua spoke to this very thing
when he told us that he meditated on the word night and day, that he may
observe "to do" according to all that is written in the book … why
because after you have done all that is according to the book, then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have
good success (Joshua 1:7-8). Joshua didn’t have the
indwelling power of the Holy Ghost, yet he believed God at His word. He walked
with God and was determined to do what the word said because it possessed the
promises of God. Joshua saw Him work first hand. How much more should we, as
the redeemed, the ones who say we are saved, sanctified and filled with the
precious Spirit of God trust Him and have the faith to do and stop living less
than.
What a great example, and a promise, along with so many others, for us as
encouragement, as a word of hope, confidence, and courage if we would just simply
do the Word. Jesus says, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do
not the things which I say? Whosoever comes to me, and hears my sayings, and
does them, I will show you to whom he is like.”
When we do the word, we activate our faith and when we begin to take action in any situation or
circumstance according to God’s word in order to change it or allow Him to work
it in, things in the heavenlies start to take place and movement gets
underway so that it can manifest here on earth. Let’s find ourselves taking God
at His word and be not a forgetful hearer as our scripture states, but a doer
of the word because if we do we shall be blessed!
It’s in the Word!
Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
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