October 3: Forgetful hearer vs. effectual doer

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.  (James 1:22-25 — New American Standard Bible)

This passage warns about self-deception. James (who most people think was the brother of Jesus and a leader of the Jerusalem church) explains that being a hearer only, and not a doer of the Word of God means that we are deceiving ourselves — and many people fit into this category these days… many. They may go to church often, be put in charge of an outreach or group in the church, give tithes and offerings, have knowledge of the Bible, collect books and tapes for various pastors, but still be deceived. They may have an appearance of spirituality and devotion, and still be far away from God.

Obedience to God, to Jesus, and to the Word of God is basic. If we are disobedient His word says we do not really believe, and we do not really love God or Jesus. Most people's “faith” doesn’t affect their lives very much at all. Liars, cheats, adulterers, murderers, thieves, drunks, gossips, and addicts all have their churches or beliefs, but unless we seek and obey the truth, our church attendance and beliefs are worthless. Jesus only saves those who choose to obey Him. He said, “Not everyone who says, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven.”

The Bible promises all sorts of blessings for those who hear and obey. We may obey God in many ways, but the important thing is to obey Him whenever we are tempted to disobey. When God reveals any type of disobedience in our lives, freedom and blessings will come when we repent and obey God’s voice. Don't let Satan deceive you or rob the blessings and freedom of obedience to God.