Scripture
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. 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
Raising children can be quite a challenge. We instill in them principles that we know will serve them well in their lives as they grow into adults. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, our children may choose to walk in disobedience. The difficulty lies in knowing that there are consequences to their choice of disobeying what we've taught them. Like our children, there are times when we disobey what the Word of God teaches, and ultimately, the Lord observes the consequences play out in our lives.
The scriptures above admonish us to receive the Word as doers, not mere hearers. We deceive ourselves when we hear a sermon or read the Word, receive it with gladness, and don't apply it to our lives. The great Charles Spurgeon said, "I fear we have many such in all congregations; admiring hearers, affectionate hearers, attached hearers, but all the while unblest hearers, because they are not doers of the word."
Beloved, the Word of God is likened to a mirror, but it's no ordinary mirror. The believer who sees in this mirror sees his true nature. The Word reveals not only our actions, but our motives, desires, and condition of our hearts. 2 Timothy 3:16 states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." The thoughts of God lie in the pages of the scripture. When the Word is held before us, and it reveals an unhealthy image, it is our responsibility to apply the truth of the Word to our lives. We must put the Word to use. Let's not be the believer who observes his true nature through the reflection of the Word, but when the reflection is removed, forget what he saw. Therefore, he lives his life the same life as before the reflection. This man deceives himself. We must allow the scrutiny of the Word of God to move us to action. With God's grace, we apply the truth like a salve to the broken places in our lives. Then we'll be blessed.
Prayer
I come before you today desiring to be a doer of your Word, not just a hearer. I ask for your Holy Spirit to illuminate my understanding of your Word, so I may know how to apply it to my life. Help me to be a living example of your love and grace in all that I do. In Jesus' name. Amen
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