Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. – (James 1:22, NIV)
Do what God’s teaching says; don’t just listen and do nothing. When you only sit and listen, you are fooling yourselves. – (James 1:22, ERV)
Don’t just listen to the Word of Truth and not respond to it, for that is the essence of self-deception. So always let His Word become like poetry written and fulfilled by your life. – (James 1:22, TPT)
The word of God is alive and active. As we hear His words, we ought to be both challenged and encouraged, as we are meant to learn and do, not just passively listen and agree it is true. I love the imagery of allowing “His Word to become like poetry written and fulfilled by our lives”. The idea of living it out, is how we navigate life as His poem, His handiwork and masterpiece, through loving as we are called to love. We are not merely called to listen to His Word, but rather we are meant to hear, internalize and act upon all that He is teaching us as we go. May we all go beyond mere listening, and choose to take God’s words to heart and set them in motion in our lives.
We are meant for more,
Than hearing God’s word;
We’re meant to respond,
Act on what is heard.
For we’ve each been called,
He knows us by name;
He’ll love us to life,
So our lives proclaim.
Proclaim His goodness,
All mercy and grace;
Let His love be known,
Throughout all our days.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to not only hear Your Word, but to set it into actions that clearly reflect Your love and light to the world. Forgive us for the times that Your words have been heard but not applied. Teach us to listen, learn and set what You are speaking to us in motion. Show us how to apply Your Word to how we love those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we listen, learn and apply Your Word to how we live out each day. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right. – Psalm 106:3
Revelations In Writing 