Scripture
Don't just listen to the Word of Truth and not respond to it, for that is the essence of self-deception. So always let His Word become like poetry written and fulfilled by your life! If you hear the message and don't live out the message you hear, you become like the person who looks in the mirror of the Word to discover the reflection of his face in the beginning. You perceive how God sees you in the mirror of the Word, but then you go out and forget your divine origin. But those who set their gaze deeply on perfecting the law of liberty are fascinated by and respond to the truth they hear, and are strengthened by it; they experience God's blessing in all they do. -James 1: 22-25
Faith requires more than just hearing the Word of God. It requires our action and obedience. It's not enough to listen to the Word with gladness; we must do something with the truth we receive from it. We know that the Word of God teaches, rebukes, corrects, and trains (2 Timothy 3:16). It's a liberating truth that sets us free from sin and guilt. The Word of God will give you a path through every situation we face. We are deceiving ourselves if we hear the Word and never apply it to our lives. The scriptures say it's like looking in a mirror, walking away, and then forgetting what we look like.
There's a reason the author used the mirror metaphor. Just as a physical mirror reveals our appearance, the Word of God reveals our true selves. As believers, we are to look into the mirror of the Word and apply what we see. As our lives are measured against the truth of the Word, we are also called to make the necessary adjustments to align with God's truth. I've been guilty of being a forgetful hearer of the Word. I've received the Word, but failed to apply it to my life, and as a result, I experienced struggle in certain areas of my life. This is because we're washed by Word, which means we're spiritually cleansed, and our minds, souls, and consciences are purified when we engage and apply the Word to our lives. Failure to apply the Word leaves you in the same condition you were in before you heard the Word. Beloved, don't become a forgetful hearer. Let's not store up facts from scripture and do nothing with them.
So, what happens when we do apply the truth to our lives? If we intently study the Word of God and continue in it, then we'll be blessed. The beautiful promise comes from actively living out God's truth. Setting your gaze on the perfect law of liberty is likened to you bending over to get a better look. We're getting a better look at the state of our souls, our duties and responsibilities to our spiritual walk, the grace of God, and the height of the promised glory. The Word of God is meant to transform hearts by the Spirit of God. Our active participation is required in this process. Our failure to participate results in a lack of spiritual maturity and growth.
Prayer
Father, we ask for wisdom to apply your Word to our lives today. We ask for the strength to obey and keep your commands. We surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit to help us align our lives with the perfect law of liberty. In Jesus' name. Amen
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