James 1:22

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

When I was in high school, I really thought I was living out God’s word, thinking I was doing better than most people. I was fooling myself, saying I was “quietly living out God’s word,” but instead ignoring what God actually wanted me to do because it would require giving up the comforts, control and ease that I enjoyed. Sometimes the comforts were social comforts, not talking to someone I knew I should reach out to. At other times, it was just going along with others, gossiping, or not setting boundaries on the things I would discuss. I tended to lie to others about the stuff I would or would not do because it was easy and kept up the image I wanted others to see. I had even lied to myself about the things I was doing, thinking it was not that bad because of all the Biblical knowledge I “had”. 

The verse we are talking about today, James 1:22, says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Like this verse mentions, I had been deceiving myself. I had read my Bible, but instead of practicing what I was taught, I did my own thing. Just hearing or reading the word does not do much if you never put anything you read or hear into practice. I played volleyball growing up, and just being told how to hit a volleyball does not improve your spikes. You have to practice what you are taught. It is the same with your walk in faith. You don’t immediately become this “super” Christian after reading your bible. Living in a way that pleases God takes time and is not easy, especially when the “practice” tends to push you out of your comfort zone and puts God in control.

Now, how do you do what the word says and take it into everyday life? 

It all starts with reading your bible and learning it. We know we should practice what the bible says, but what does it say? Well, Ephesians 4:25-32 gives a quick overview, saying things like speaking the truth, not letting anger cause you to sin, doing honest work so you can share with those in need and building people up with your words. An easy way to know if you are living out God’s word is by asking yourself if what you are doing is loving. So much of what we are called to do is under the umbrella of loving everyone, even if it is difficult. Loving people means helping those who need help and being honest, even if it may hurt in the moment, allowing the person to grow.

One day during my lunch break, I had just gotten my food from my locker and was walking back to the cafeteria. As I was walking, I saw someone I had maybe talked to three times, ever. I felt a pull to this person, the kind of pull that made me certain God wanted me to stop and talk with them, which I did, even though I wanted to walk right past this person. What I didn’t expect when talking to this person was them telling me about their stresses and family problems. At the end of the conversation, I was not sure what to say, so I asked if I could pray for them. This experience was the first time I had ever prayed for someone at school, and I felt so happy about being able to do what God told me to do.

A few weeks after that, a new student started going to my school. They were always alone, and since the school year had already begun, it was quite difficult to meet other people. When I felt God telling me to go over to them with the very same pulling sensation from a few weeks prior, I was not surprised. It was something I wanted to do… Which made me all the more disappointed in myself when I stood in the hall, frozen in place, unable to reach ot to them. I never talked to that new student, nor did I see them talking with others at school.

I tell these stories to let you know that when you fail to do what scripture says, do not be devastated. We are still sinful beings even though we have been made right with God. He does not expect you to learn everything without any setbacks. It is a slow and tedious process at times, so remember to keep taking small steps forward, to keep “doing what it says”. Eventually, you’ll look back at the path you took and realize you are no longer where you started.

Prayer

Lord, I thank you so very much for your scripture that allows us to understand your ways better. Thank you for setting the perfect example in the way we should live in Jesus. I pray that we will be able to show your love to those around us and that we will be able to live in a way that pleases you. Help us love those who are difficult to love and help us be bold in the way we live for you. In your name we pray. AMEN.