James 1: 22-24
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.
These verses make me think of the little child who hears his parent's instruction, but does something altogether different. Was he really listening? The writer of this scripture knows that listening and hearing what is right and good does not always lead to doing what is right and good. Sometimes I need to hear something a number of times before it becomes a real part of my consciousness; a part that comes to mind when I need direction. It is like studying for an exam- if we knew it all and internalized it all immediately and permanently, there would be no need to study! Listening leads to learning, and that is when change can take place.
Holy father, help me to be a good student of your Word. When I read and hear your instruction, help me to hold it, and to live with it, and to use it. How fortunate we are to have your instructions- help me to deepen my understanding, Lord. Amen
Becky, transforming
James 1:22–24
I love transformers. I love reading God’s words, thinking about them, and then sharing ideas with our group. For some that could be enough. But, not if you listen to James. However we study your Bible, whether alone or with a group, the words should be sending us out like the disciples to do what God has asked.
Prayer: gracious God, James reminds us to do God’s work, not just to study his word. Amen
James 1:22-24
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
The truth of our faith is demonstrated by our obedient life. Basically James says that our hearing must be balanced with and backed up by our doing. First of all, he speaks of the man who goes to the church meeting and listens to the reading and who thinks that listening has made him a Christian. He has shut his eyes to…
James 1: 22-24 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.
I find myself guilty of being a good listener, but not a doer. I read and listen daily to the words of God, but do I put this into practice. Listening and doing are two very different things. I do listen, but I don’t always do. This is something I have to work on. The word of God is only as good as I…
James 1: 22-24 The book of James is action-oriented. It is the most pointed faith-works book in Scripture. The message to believers today is quite clear. It is simply not enough to sit in a pew once a week and listen to the proclamation of the word. What is listened to must be translated physically into actions that advance the kingdom of God. No such action is in vain, no matter how small. God knows we have truly listened when we serve Him with our lives.
Prayer - Precious Lord, give me ears to hear Your call to action at all times and in all places. Make me a doer as well as a hearer of Your Word. Amen
TAA