Read: James 1:22-23

James in his epistle, stresses the need of being a doer and not just a hearer of God’s Word. Receiving, meditating, pondering, researching, and reflecting on His Word are not fruitful unless you are a doer of His Word. Jesus said that “Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matt. 7:24). Jesus also pointed out that God’s blessings come from obeying the truth and not just by knowing them. He said that “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:17).

If someone is in need of financial help, set an example of helping the brethren in need of money. Reflect Christ in your attitude. Some Christians hold grudges against their enemies, when the Bible clearly teaches to love our enemies and pray for them that persecute you (Matt. 5:44). The Word of God is like a mirror that reveals to us the very thoughts and intentions of our hearts (Heb. 4:12). It shows us our ugly, self-centred attitudes. It exposes our pride. Adam and Eve heard God’s command that they should not eat the fruit of the tree of good and evil. They heard, yet failed to do exactly what God commanded them and blamed each other for their mistake (Gen. 3).

If we read the Bible or listen as it is taught, but fail to put to work what we have learned, we are like the foolish man who built his house on the sand. His house couldn’t withstand the rain, flood, and the wind, and he suffered great loss (Matt. 7:26-27). Do not be a forgetful hearer of the Word. Become an effective doer of the Word and you will be blessed by God.