Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. – James 1:22 (NIV)
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. – James 1:22 (KJV)
Theme: God’s Word and Why We Study It
We’ve all heard the phrase “actions speak louder than words.” James is saying something similar here. It’s wonderful to study the Bible and memorize scripture (like we’re doing in our 52 Week Challenge), but simply knowing (or “hearing”) what the Bible says is nowhere near enough—we must transform that knowledge into action.
- Hearing that God wants us to help the poor and feed the hungry is great, but that knowledge is useless if we don’t actually do something to provide help for those in need (see Stewardship).
- Hearing that God commands us to love one another is useless if we still treat each other unkindly and don’t show God’s love to others (see A Gentle Answer).
- Hearing that we should put God first is our lives doesn’t matter if our actions show that we prioritize other things over Him (see Firstfruits).
- Hearing that we must choose our companions carefully won’t protect us if we still choose to surround ourselves with fools and if we “walk in step with the wicked” (see Choosing Your Friends).
- Hearing that we should guard our hearts and minds won’t protect us if we allow things that don’t please God to be a part of our lives (see Guard Your Heart).
- And most important of all…hearing that God sent Jesus to save us from sin is vital information, but it takes action — accepting Him as our Savior — to receive His gift of eternal life.
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. – Romans 10:9 (NIV)
Actions speak louder than words. Let’s make sure our actions show that we’re “doers of the word…”
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