Hear and Do!

Hear and Do!

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. James 1:22‭-‬24 KJV

For anyone who will make generational impact, today's extract is relevant and timely. There are several categories of people in the world today, but today's extract looks at two types: those who are quick to hear only, and those who take what they hear and act on it. It is easy to take time out to listen; everywhere you turn to these days, there are opportunities to hear God's Word. Radio and television programmes, as well as books share various stories and lessons from the Word, but it appears that the value does not flow beyond the hearing. 

If all I do is hear, I am compared to a man who looks into a mirror, sees himself and as soon as he leaves the mirror, forgets what he looks like. How is that possible? The mirror tells you what you look like; it reveals your outer self to you; it shows you the areas where you need to make adjustments and what you need to put on or off. That's the power of a physical mirror. Imagine then the power of a spiritual mirror, which is able to reach into your soul and show you exactly who you are. 

And for all who just hear and do not care about the obeying part, God's position is clear: you are only deceiving yourself. Why is that: God's Word always demands action from you. When it comes, it demands you take a side. When it warns, it demands that you listen and heed. It never supports inaction or indecision; there is no sitting on the fence when it comes to the demands of God on a life. 

The Word of God is so fundamental that it serves as doctrine, reproof, instruction and training in righteousness. God wants to change me from within, because He knows that it is the inner work that leaves a lasting impression on man. Let's not get carried away by the drama of a man who just hears and does not do; but let us be hearers of God's Word, who are also quick to obey. Of course, it means that there are blessings attached to obeying what has been heard. Trust God to reward all who diligently seek Him and are careful to obey all that He commands. His time of favour is here