James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.
This verse spoke to me this morning. James challenges me not to be one who understands the faith, but whose life does not reflect understanding. James would suggest such a faith, limited to the intellect, is pretty much worthless. The point of God’s word is to transform me – and you – into someone whose life reflects the heart of our God.
There’s an old saying that goes something like this, “If you were brought up on charges of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” It’s a silly question, but there’s a nugget of value in it. Is my life sufficiently different from others that one can tell I’m a Christian by observing what I do? Or does my life look pretty much like anyone else’s?
What about you? Can others tell you are Christian by what you do rather than what you say?
Lord, give us grace to be doers of your word, not merely hearers. Transform us from the inside out. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
