Key Verses: James 1:21-24, "21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like"
Picture this image in your mind: A sunny day, wispy white clouds float by on a blanket of rich blue. Cruising down the Interstate, top down, music playing, a teenage guy. Not a care in the world. Loving life.
But suddenly he sees something that causes him to slow down. Up ahead a police officer is stopped in the road waving her arms, her car lights flashing. The guy puts on the brakes and as he comes to a stop, rolls down his window.
"Just wanted you to know the bridge is out up ahead," the officer kindly says.
"Whew! Thank you for telling me, officer," he replies, "Have a great day!" The young guy then proceeds to slam his foot down on the gas and peel off, barreling straight towards the collapsed bridge.
This story makes no sense, right? Why? Because if the guy were really given such instruction, he would pay attention; he would listen to the warnings and then obey them. In this type of scenario, everyone would heed the potentially lifesaving advice.
Why is it sometimes different with God's Word?
Read James 1:21-24. What is the first thing you see? Verse 21 says it takes humility to accept the Word of God. You see, humans struggle with thinking we know it all. But it is not enough to merely listen to the word and know what it says, is it?
Quite clearly verse 22 says that if you are only hearing God's Word and not putting it into action, you are fooling yourself. Like the guy speeding towards a broken bridge, full speed ahead, not doing what God teaches will only lead to disaster. You must hear God's Word and then let it impact every part of your life. These verses call you to live a life that reflects the teachings of the Bible.
What does your life reflect?
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