James 1:22-25 “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.”
Did you like my subtlety? I have to say this topic of being a doer of the Word, really gets me worked up. For so many years I would go to church, praise God in song, encourage other believers, often I would be teaching either college students or high school students, but in my private life I only occasionally read the Bible, and if a life situation called for it, I would pray. Looking back, I can see why my faith suffered, I can see why I wasn’t growing, I can see why I felt lukewarm. It was easy being a Sunday Christian, it didn’t demand anything of me. I would pat myself on the back for serving in so many different ministries, but yet I knew. I knew deep down inside, something was missing. What I was missing, was a true relationship with Jesus.
So many people want to hear God. They ask for all sorts of things in prayer. They just never go deeper than surface level Christianity. It is easy to just listen to Pastor John on Sunday, and then forget everything he taught Monday to Saturday…. now be real with yourself, is this you? When I realized this was me, at first, I felt guilty, but then I got serious. I was convicted to dust off my Bible, and crack it open. I dove into the Word, and then I started to put it into practice. Suddenly things felt so new and real to me. I learned so much, and little by little I noticed my attitude changed, my faith became real. I wasn’t just listening, I was doing. The spiritual growth is amazing to see and look back on!
My relationship with God is the most important relationship in my life. I prioritize my time in the Word, praying, and then live it out. If we can sit and binge watch a few episodes of our favorite shows, or spend time reading our latest novel, or listen to our favorite podcasts, we can certainly make time to invest in our spiritual life. So, let this be your slap to the face that you may need, don’t just be a Sunday Christian. Prioritize spending time in the Word, prioritize praying and talking with God, and then don’t stop there—DO WHAT IT SAYS. You will be amazed how much your life will change!
Did you like my subtlety? I have to say this topic of being a doer of the Word, really gets me worked up. For so many years I would go to church, praise God in song, encourage other believers, often I would be teaching either college students or high school students, but in my private life I only occasionally read the Bible, and if a life situation called for it, I would pray. Looking back, I can see why my faith suffered, I can see why I wasn’t growing, I can see why I felt lukewarm. It was easy being a Sunday Christian, it didn’t demand anything of me. I would pat myself on the back for serving in so many different ministries, but yet I knew. I knew deep down inside, something was missing. What I was missing, was a true relationship with Jesus.
So many people want to hear God. They ask for all sorts of things in prayer. They just never go deeper than surface level Christianity. It is easy to just listen to Pastor John on Sunday, and then forget everything he taught Monday to Saturday…. now be real with yourself, is this you? When I realized this was me, at first, I felt guilty, but then I got serious. I was convicted to dust off my Bible, and crack it open. I dove into the Word, and then I started to put it into practice. Suddenly things felt so new and real to me. I learned so much, and little by little I noticed my attitude changed, my faith became real. I wasn’t just listening, I was doing. The spiritual growth is amazing to see and look back on!
My relationship with God is the most important relationship in my life. I prioritize my time in the Word, praying, and then live it out. If we can sit and binge watch a few episodes of our favorite shows, or spend time reading our latest novel, or listen to our favorite podcasts, we can certainly make time to invest in our spiritual life. So, let this be your slap to the face that you may need, don’t just be a Sunday Christian. Prioritize spending time in the Word, prioritize praying and talking with God, and then don’t stop there—DO WHAT IT SAYS. You will be amazed how much your life will change!