Listen and Do

Today’s Insight in the Word-
James 1 – Many times it is easier to tell others what they should do, but never do it ourselves.  It is the definition of hypocrisy and it plagues many people both Christian and non-Christian.  In the book of James, which gives a no-nonsense approach to how we should live, it discusses such practice in the first chapter.  As with anything it is much easier to listen and understand then it is to actually apply what we hear to parts of our lives.  Nevertheless, that is what we are called to do.  We are to do what we hear so that we are no just listeners, but doers of the word.  After all, that is where others will see the difference.  People may not always be interested in what you have to say, but your actions do in fact speak, and they speak louder then words.  There is a lesson learned and there is a lesson observed.  It makes the difference on what we learn and what we apply. 

Vs 22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Walking in the Word – In my life I get eager to talk about what plans I have or how I will do this and that.  If I’m not careful I fall into the category of being a dreamer, and not an achiever.  I rather be an achiever.  What I dream and talk about, must be apparent in my life so that when others see me they do no see me as a hypocrite but rather someone who firmly believes and follows through with what I say.  Christ Jesus must be apparent in my life or I live in vain.  I will make it a point to listen to the word of God and directly apply it to situations I face no matter how great or small.  By my fruits they will know that I labor not in vain, but in the building up of the kingdom of God.  This life is all but temporary and before we know it we have moved on.  I don’t want to live for things that don’t matter afterwards but rather invest my time wisely while I am here on earth, in order to please God.

Prayer Response to the Word – Lord, help me to be a good steward of time as well as everything else that is Yours.  Help me not to waste time, but invest it in You.  I will take nothing from this life, but I strive to leave things behind.  I want to be remembered in the hearts of people as a man that devoted His life to You, and in return others being blessed by You through me.  I pray that I labor for You and that You are pleased with me.  Help me to not be a hypocrite, but rather a doer and teacher of Your word.  Help me to care for others and love Your children no matter who they are or where they have come from.