Kristi Muszik 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)
Doer – the person who does something, a person who acts rather than merely talking or thinking.
Hearer – a person who hears or listen to something.
Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. So, there is an importance of hearing, as we wouldn’t be able to act upon anything without first hearing and knowing something. Unfortunately, that’s where it ends with most of us, and Mark 4:14-20, the parable of the Sower Sows the Word, tells us why.
It’s so easy to listen to the Word of God or read it and not apply it when we are so wrapped up in the world around us, the culture and way of life, forgetting that God’s way is a different life. Or, we don’t want to apply the Word because it hurts too much or makes us uncomfortable because it is a living, active, and sharper than a two edge sword that divides our soul and spirit according to Hebrews 4:12. So, we find ourselves in a war zone between our spirit and soul according to Galatians 5:17.
Living in this world, we can become so easily ensnared as there are lies and deception all around us, and when we don’t act upon the truth of the Word, we can easily forget what we heard or read, causing us to become deceived.
A doer applies actions, which leaves a print in us that ingrains us deeply and develops our faith. Our faith to f.ace the adversity of this world will never grow without us being a doer of the Word, according to James 2:14-26.
We should ask ourselves the pros and cons of being or not being a doer of God’s Word.
Do we want to know God’s heart, receive His love, and live lives that fulfill our purpose?
Do we want to live a life pleasing to the Lord, according to Colossians 1:10?
Do we want to walk in deception or truth, a life of freedom where the truth sets us free according to John 8:31-32?
After all is said and done and we stand before Him, do we want to miss the beautiful words of “Well done, good and faithful servant?” because we chose not to be doers but only live life to our own doing.
When we choose to become a doer of the Word, we will see the promises written in there manifest in our lives, for a doer is walking in obedience to God. A doer separates themselves from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. Doers find a life of peace amid chaos and joy amid adversity. The gateway of the narrow path that leads to a way of life according to Matthew 7:13-14, is only found by a doer.
Let’s be doers of the Word and reap the blessings of living a life that pleases our Heavenly Father. It’s going to be a daily commitment, and it’s not always going to look perfect, but it’s the heart that the Lord looks at; it’s the heart that is determined to live a life of being a doer. I know in my own life, I have areas that need to be overtaken by becoming a doer of God’s Word.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, teach us how to become doers of the Word, show us areas where we haven’t applied God’s Word, and act upon it.
Reflect
Are you a doer or a hearer only?
What areas in your life can you become more of a doer?
For Deeper Study
Romans 10:17
Mark 4:14120
Hebrews 4:12
Galatians 5:17
John 8:31-32
Colossians 1:10
James 2:14-26
Matthew 7:13-14
Different Translations of James 1:22
But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth]. (AMP)
But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth]. (AMPC)
But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves. (NASB)
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. (NLT)
Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like. (MSG)
