James 1:21-25 “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
This passage of scripture in today’s New Testament One Year Bible reading should peak the interest of anyone interested in personal spiritual growth and/or the spiritual growth of others. The core issue is how we deal with the word of God. We can either be a hearer of the word or a doer of the word. Three days ago the Old Testament One Year Bible reading in Ezekiel 33:30-32 raises the same issue. God tells Ezekiel that the people listen to Ezekiel’s words but they don’t put them into practice. The only way the word of God can benefit us is if we apply it. When we hear it or read it, it should trigger a response in us that asks the question, “What am I going to do about it?” The effects of God’s word with any accompanying promises are activated when we act upon it. As verse 21 above says it’s the implanted word that is able to save us.
Let me offer two suggestions to help us become doers of the word. First, we must always allow the word of God to speak to us whenever we are reading it or hearing it. In other words, take time to reflect upon what you’re receiving to make sure you are actually receiving it! What action do I need to take? What do I need to correct? Do I need to repent, obey, forgive, or believe? Answering these questions and then planning a course of action will help the word of God to “stick.” Second, bounce it off some people. Interact with others concerning the scripture(s) that is challenging you. Five days ago the One Year Bible reading in Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Make sure you have someone in your life that can sharpen you. Real discipleship happens when we can interact with others concerning the word of God and then apply it to our lives. When it comes to the word of God, don’t hear it only, JUST DO IT!