“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”James 1:22 NIV
one of the most important things we are encouraged to do as Christian’s is to actively do what the word of God says. I honestly believe that this should be an everyday and every situation response we practice. The practicality of Christianity is the application of every teaching illustrated in the word of God. James in the opening scripture shows us the process of carrying out the word of God. He says that we shouldn’t just listen to the word, but also do it. When we take in the word of God faith is produced, what is defined in Hebrews 11:1 comes alive . “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”Hebrews 11:1 NIV. This is when we no longer wish for things but see them through the eyes of faith. With just faith we can do the impossible, Faith will bring confidence about the God we serve. When one practices faith the focus is not on the situation at hand but on God. It’s in this state that our eyes are opened to the one who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
James 1:23-24 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.”. We listen or read the word of God to act accordingly. Whatever that we see in this mirror is what we are suppose to do, anything that will oppose this word does not define how the journey will end. A true reflection of who we are and how our story will proceed is in the word of God. I encourage you to put into practice every principle of heaven, do not allow the circumstances define your next phase or response. Everything God has said will happen. Listen attentively to what He requires from you at every point of this journey and do it. With faith step out and do what our Father has instructed you to do. In Luke 11:28 Jesus said ;“…but God will bless all who listen to the word of God and carefully obey everything they hear.” It’s a blessing to be able to hear and do what we’ve been instructed to do, come into that blessing. Last week we spoke about the leadership of the Holy Spirit and that’s the beauty about practicing the word, we have the Holy Spirit guiding us in everything. When it looks like we are about to forget or let circumstances overtake us, He quickly lift us up and reminds us of everything Jesus said to us (John14:26). What you are hearing is not your thoughts, you’ve read and listened to the word of God so the power in it is causing you to do what seems unusual.
Do what the word says, love those who say they are your enemies, pray for those who mistreat you, no matter what always choose to do the word. Our Master was sent on an assignment and no matter how hard it got, He still maintained His identity. He still did what He was sent to do. No torture, suffering or betrayal could change His application of the spoken word. All this was just for a moment, an ever lasting reward was our reconciliation with God and that is what He focused on.““Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.””Luke 22:42 NIV . The practicality of Christianity always results in God’s will taking place. That faith you always apply will result in our father’s will for your life. What you are believing for might seem too big or impossible but Jesus said; “ …all things are possible to him who believes”. Mark9:23.
As you journey in this life I pray that you reflect God in every place He has positioned you. May heaven be experienced through what you say and do. I pray that the grace to be doers of the word of God be released to you today so that you may be blessed in what you do. Amen