But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
James 1:22-24 ESV
The Context and Focus:
This present generation is high on visibility and performance, and quite low on integrity and perseverance. This present generation has mastered the art of deception, and has been able to sustain eye-service and hypocrisy. It keeps finding ways to obtain and sustain human applause, yet at the same time, caring nothing about God's approval. It lives for the praise and approval of men, and does not really bother to find out what God's will or mind is on any matter. There's so much noise going on that it is difficut to hear God's voice over the cacophony of alternative voices the devil is promoting. Yet, in the face of all these things, there is a standard that holds true, no matter the generation or dispensation in question, and it is the veracity and immutability of God's Word. I can choose to believe it, or I can choose to reject it; my decision really does not affect the truths of the Word of God. His Word is indeed Yes and Amen, and the machinations of men do nothing to change that fact. The Word of God is the standard against which everything else in this world will be judged, so I had better be sure that my life aligns with its expectations.
The Message:
The Word does not give room for hypocrisy. I have to make up my mind about what to do with what I hear and read. The first step is to make the approach. I cannot really obey instructions I do not know. This is why access is one of God's greatest blessings. On mobile phones, social media platforms and on the electronic and print media, the Word of God has become accessible and available. What do I do with what I hear and read? If I just hear, and do nothing with what I have heard, how does God bless what I have heard? Hearing/Reading is just the first step; even the devil had access to God, yet He messed up the privilege. I have to move into the doing bit. The doing bit is proof that I believe in God as well as the efficacy and truth of His Word, as I allow it to change my life from within, so it can then impact the life I live on the outside. Doing means I believe in the power of the Word to impact the world I live in, and I trust that God will be glorified through my actions. Doing is the evidence of my faith in God. It has to be sincere and heartfelt, because there could be a thin line between sincere devotion and hypocrisy.
The Conclusion:
This is why doing is critical: the picture posed by the verses above portray someone who needs to address an issue. He comes up to the mirror; of course, the mirror is unable to lie or show you what you want. It shows you exactly how things look. I have the choice to accept what I have been shown, and then take immediate steps to address whatever is wrong. There could be a complete change of clothes, or the removal of a smudge, or maybe a complete overhaul. Whatever the decision is, it is spurred by the revelation of the mirror. I do not conform the image of the mirror to suit my desires; I conform my desires to suit the mind of God as revealed by the mirror. Imagine the terrible effect of then turning away from the mirror, after seeing all that needs to be addressed, and then immediately forgetting what you saw. How do you make a change? How do you follow God's plan for your life, if you cannot even keep up with His daily dealings? How does He help deal with issues in life, if you will not ask Him for help for your daily walk? Grace is freely available, but I have to ask for it, and when it is given, trust God on a daily basis to help me walk worthy of His calling upon my life. God's time of favour is here.
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