Be doers of the word, not hearers only.

James 1:16-27, Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant 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 who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

As part of our testing, we go out today in to a world that has largely rejected Jesus Christ. We are challenged by James to go beyond mere belief, for indeed “even the demons believe and tremble.” We are saved by faith; that faith should make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of others. It’s very easy to sit in a church building; it’s a little harder to listen and learn and even memorize scripture and quote it to others. It’s impossible, without His help, to go forth in humble service. Fortunately, He is always willing to give us liberally of His Holy Spirit to live out our faith! Are we using His perfect law as a mirror, coming to it to see what it tells us we need to change?

Fill us with Your Holy Spirit today that we may walk in those good works You have laid out for us!

ESV Lectionary