As a pastor I have heard all kinds of things that I’m sure sounded good when it came out of a person’s mouth, but giving it some thought changed the sentiment a bit.
For example, I’ve had folks say to me, “Well, Pastor Bill, I don’t feel like I have to say anything about Jesus. I’ll just live it.” That sounds good; it is laudable; but it just isn’t enough. There are plenty of religions that believe in “living right.” Mormons. JWs. Unitarians. Even atheists. So that argument falls flat on its face. Not only must we live; we must also speak the truth of Christ. That is what sets life in Christ apart from “good living.”
On the converse are those who speak well about Jesus, study His Word, but just don’t live it. James speaks of not just being a hearer of the Word, but also a doer. it is not enough to read the Bible. It is not enough to listen to it. It is not enough to sit in a study or a group and discuss eternal truths. James says we are to live it out. His exact words are, “But prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.” (1:22- NASB2020). For more on that I would encourage you to read verses 23-25.
The lesson is clear: don’t fall into the trap of hearing, listening, reading and looking into a mirror and then forget what you look like, i.e. forget to live it out.
IMHO more harm has been done and is done to the cause of Christ by inconsistent lives, than by atheism, junk science, deconstruction, or false doctrine.
“Father, help me to live out my faith in deeds. Not for earning my salvation, but because I love You. Help me not to be a hearer only.”
Amen, Bill! I pray God will help me every day to live out His Word.
Blessings!
That is a constant prayer of mine Martha.
During my quiet times in the morning I had been listening to a podcast and recently downloaded their app called First15
this is the link for todays message on their website:
https://www.first15.org/07/28/a-foundation-of-affection/
Today’s message was living with the foundation of Affection. To summarize, the idea is living a life that is responding to God’s Love, not wasting our energy on trying to earn God’s love…
Simple statement, but your prayer reminded me of that this morning…
That is a true statement Ryan! What a freedom that comes from it.
Amen Bill. Father, help me to reflect a life that shows that I read the word, that I know how to apply the word in my everyday actions. Help me to look into my mirror and see the truth of my actions each day. Don’t allow me to deceive myself on what I have done, help me to grow in my faith and actions as I continue to learn to be a doer of the word.
As you stated Gail, deceiving ourselves is a real issue.