We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Matt Chow.
Bible Reading:
“22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 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.”
James 1:22-25
Word:
The book of James is one of my favorite books in the Bible. It provides so many practical ways to live out our faith. It was specifically written for Christians to both warn them of temptations and sins and provide instructions for living out our faith walk in our everyday lives. Let’s break down each verse to see how we can apply it.
22 Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what is it says.
The Bible isn’t your typical book that you read to gain knowledge. God’s Word demands action. If we only listen to a sermon on Sunday and don’t apply it, then we have only done half of the work. God doesn’t want just half of our attention; in fact, he demands all of us. Revelation 3:16 says “But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!”. We can’t expect change if we don’t take action!
23-24 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.
All change happens when we take a deep look at ourselves and decide we want to make a change. A mirror can reveal our physical flaws, but the Word of God can reveal are internal imperfections. Listening to the word and not acting upon it is like asking a coach for help with a movement and then ignoring their advice.
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.
So, it starts with looking into God’s Word and then acting on it. When this happens in our lives, we will begin to see God’s blessing and live in the freedom that can only be found in Him.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your truth and guide to living a life in freedom. I will not be constrained to this world, for I know that you have a purpose for me. Help me to remember to do your will and give me the strength to live it out. In your name I pray, AMEN.
Skillwork:
We need to be the ones that are doers of His Word. Our actions could be the only Bible that people see. When you’re in the gym and working out, what do your actions say about the Bible? Pay close attention to your interactions this week and keep a log of whether you demonstrated the effects of the Bible on your life.
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