Do the Word

 

James 1:22 NIV

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

I remember raising the question to my students, "Are you hearing me or listening to me?"  Hearing requires that you hear sounds, but listening means you are attentive with the intention of doing something with it.  You are preparing to take action.  

I ask myself, am I taking action or is the Word just background noise that I hearing like a song on the radio or am I actively listening so that the Word can make a difference in my life?  Am I doing the Word?  Am I loving my neighbor?  Am I forgiving those who have wronged me?  Am I asking for forgiveness?  Am I walking in faith and trusting God?

Is my quiet time more than just a check on my to do list or am I really trying to get into His presence so that I can be transformed? Listening to the Word is the first step, but I must follow through the whole action by being obedient and doing what it says. The Word tells me when I do this, when I am intentional about following the word I will be blessed in what I do.

James 1:23-25 NIV

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.

I need to hold the proverbial mirror up daily so that I can know what I look like and I should look and act like someone who has been in His presence.  I am His child.

Lord, let me not treat your Word like background noise.  Let my reading of it be accompanied by the intentionality to do what it says.  Your Word is life and I want to live for You.  Forgive me for those times when I have taken it for granted.  In Jesus name I do pray.  Amen