Dave’s Monday Blast – April 16, 2018
James 1:22 says that “we are not to be merely hearers for the Word…but doers, lest we deceive ourselves.” Since Satan is the Father of Lies, deceit and its consequences are unhappy by-products.
The book of James is a formula for personal growth. We note that growing in the Lord to the extent that we are more than just hearers of His Word, involves more than just attending church, tithing, and listening to a sermon once each week. In fact, many believers do these things, yet remain stagnant in their walk. James would teach us that there are two practical elements necessary for us to become more like Jesus: instruction and involvement.
1. Learning Truth is vital to a healthy walk with God. Our Savior proved the importance of instruction by devoting much of His time on earth to it. The apostle Paul is another example, as he wrote letters to educate the early Christian church about godliness.
So how can we gain knowledge and understanding? One of the most important and effective ways is to read the Word of God (Consistently, Daily 😁 – I know it is not a revelation). Scripture instructs us that just as newborns crave milk, we are to desire His Word so that we might grow. I pray that your spiritual thirst will become insatiable.
Yet, simply listening to the Truth does not mean that we’ve acquired it. I know many people who love attending Bible studies and expanding their knowledge base, but their lives remain unchanged. Just as today’s passage teaches, we have to apply the Word to our lives. Even so, actual growth requires more than merely inputting information.
2. Applying Truth requires action. James 2:26 states, “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.”
Are we careless hearers my brothers, deceived into thinking that we’re growing? Or are we listening intently and abiding in the truth? If we’re truly maturing, our lives will be increasingly Christlike, and our desires will align more closely with God’s heart. Make sure that you are INTENTIONAL about listening and responding in obedience to His Truth.
