Do Not Merely Listen to the Word
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” ~James 1:22
Right to the point! That’s our James for you! Look at this translation: “Do what God's teaching says; don't just listen and do nothing. When you only sit and listen, you are fooling yourselves.”
But if you dig a little deeper, it becomes an encouraging boost. The Mirror translation writes this: “Give the word your undivided attention; do not underestimate yourself. Make the calculation. There can only be one conclusion: your authentic origin is mirrored in the word. You are God’s poem; let His voice make poetry of your life.”
James is not urging a letter-of-the-law life, for Jesus came to put away the law and introduce grace. The word that James used for ‘do’ can be pictured as walking hand-in-hand with God. Our life is becoming an active participation with God - it has meaning and purpose. Jesus showed us how to do that. His Spirit gives us the tools - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
We are not alone!
