Do what God's word says

When we listen to or read God's word but don't apply it to our lives, we're basically cheating ourselves. That's because:

(1) We settle for knowledge rather than experience. The Bible says, 'If you don't do what you know is right, you have sinned' (James 4:17 CEV). What does that mean? When we know the truth but don't act on it, we're not simply making a mistake or exercising poor judgement - we're sinning! (2) We compare ourselves with others. Paul writes, 'Let everyone be sure that he is doing his very best, for then he will have the personal satisfaction of work well done and won't need to compare himself with someone else' (Galatians 6:4 TLB). When we compare ourselves to others in our Christian circles, we create a comfort zone of our own perceived inadequacy, which means we rob ourselves and others of the opportunity to do the unique job we are made to do in God's Kingdom.

(3) The word moves us briefly but doesn't change us permanently. There's nothing wrong with responding emotionally to spiritual truth. But if we do so without changing our behaviour, our spirituality boils down to nothing more than an uninspiring emotional experience. (4) We substitute communication for transformation. We talk the talk but don't walk the walk. We think if we speak eloquently and convincingly about Scripture, we're covered. But we're not!



So what now? Do yourself the biggest favour: 'Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says' (James 1:22 NIV).





— SCRIPTURE —

'Do not merely listen to the word... Do what it says.' James 1:22 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

Acts 3:11-5:42, Matt 8:10-17, Ps 109:16-31, Pro 15:23-26