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. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25
“If we only glance at the Scriptures in a superficial manner, we will not be able to see what God is showing us there or get a good enough grasp of what God is really saying to be able to put his will into practice.
The same truth applies when we walk out of a church service and say, ‘that was a good sermon.’ too often we forget the content of the sermon simply because we make no effort to think about it or understand it thoroughly. We need to make an effort to understand what the word is saying, and after having examined and understood what the word says, we must appropriate it and integrate it into our lives.
If we stop partway through the listening process, we will fail and will live disordered lives. However, if we follow all the steps and put the word that we hear into practice, we will be blessed. After all, God did not give his law to restrict people’s freedom or to estrange them but to regulate daily life and make it joyful.”
Solomon Andria (Madagascar) in “James” in Africa Bible Commentary, Tokunboh Adeyemo, General Editor (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006).
Don’t look at the Scriptures, especially those linked to stewardship and generosity in a superficial way.
You will not only miss the critical instructions God has for you. You will miss the joy and blessing that comes with obedience.
I am flying somewhere between Brussels, Belgium, and Yaoundé, Cameroon.
While traveling I am reviewing my facilitator’s guides to prepare to facilitate Journey of Empowerment (which grows stewards that advance accountability) and Stations of Generosity (which spreads the message of biblical generosity). I am looking intently at all the Scriptures I will share.
Thanks for your prayers for safe travel and my facilitation this week in Cameroon with French translation.
And consider how you will apply what you hear in church today or this weekend when you hear a sermon. Don’t just be a hearer of the work. Do what it says and urge others to join you. Life, joy, and blessing are at stake!