James 1:22-24

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like ~ James 1:22-24


Being a follower of Jesus means we are a people who are set into action, and we will obey the word to “go.” We will live the way of Jesus, love the way of Jesus, bring peace the way of Jesus, and we will forgive the way of Jesus. We are not people who sit back and speak empty words. Anyone can do that. We will follow up our words, as James says here, by doing what God’s word says. We may run into people who will say one thing and do another, but that is not what a Christ follower will do. It also means we will be active to put away those things that do not fit with the life of Christ. James is emphasizing our works, emphasizing that those who do a good work are not satisfied with simply hearing the word, but must act with the word in his heart. To follow through is the only way for this person. It is the difference between lip-service and service, and between empty discipleship and being fully committed. James states that person is like one who forgets the face they saw in the mirror. I read that face is not the natural face, but the new spiritual face. We are transformed by Christ, but we may forget what we have been transformed from and we return to the old person rather than staying with the new identity in Christ. We become caught up in everyday life and concerns and do not live according to our spiritual life in Christ. The person who hears the word will remember it and live it.

Pastor Julia

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