The Blessing of Persevering in Truth
Today was a day of campaigning as mail ballots are being delivered to homes. Election day is two weeks from Tuesday.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “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.” James 1:25 ESV
When I read the contrast between a “hearer who forgets and a doer who acts” I’m reminded of how often my sermons filled with such wisdom and insight were quickly forgotten…..by me!
James begins this discourse with the well-known words, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22 ESV) That is one of those verse I memorized in Vacation Bible School. But once again, I memorized the verse but neglected the lesson. We love to hear, to be moved by a powerful message that communicates Biblical truth. It is important to understand that some message may be for an application in a moment of time. They are intended to call us to action, a commitment, to gain understanding about the greatness of our God an what He does for us and how to follow Him faithfully. Other messages ofen present more of a life change challenge.
While our application of truth is self-monitoring, it is important to realize that “being moved, but not changed” happens to our own detriment. Do we hear a “great message on gossip” and continue to gossip? Do we hear at “great message on forgiveness” and continue to hold on to past hurts?
James reminds us that when we do so we deceive ourselves. The impact is as momentary as looking at our reflection in a mirror and then walking away. We believe that how we look in that moment of time is how we look throughout our day.
This calls for persistent examination of truth and how we apply it to our lives. We need to train ourselves to listen with the intent of being changed, not just moved. This is why small groups that meet to discuss a current weekend message are important. Interacting with what we have heard in community is a good way to cement the concepts in our minds and hearts.
Putting God’s Word into practice can be a challenge. Old habits don’t die an easy death; experiencing true repentance is not just a single act. That is why James challenges us to “look[s] into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere[s]” The blessing doesn’t always come in a moment, but it will come in time.
We are “blessed in our doing.” Not in our “knowing” or our “thinking” or our “planning.” All of those may be precursors to doing, but if they don’t result in the doing, in the change of behavior, the blessing of the truth is not received.
Prayer for today…. Lord remind us of the truth that we know, that we so easily neglect to put into practice in our lives. We see in Your Word that our practice of the Word is the key to blessing, stability and peace. Let us not be guilty of continuing seeking that which You have already provided for us if we follow Your Word.