James1:22 (NIV) reads, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.”

           This verse emphasizes that merely listening to the word or reading scripture is not enough.  True faith requires action, obedience, and application in one’s daily life.  Failure to act on the word is described as self-deception.

           What this means is we are to help those in need, control our speech, have discipline of our thoughts, and live a life that God has called us to live.  Our thoughts, actions, and words need to coincide with our faith.  James compares someone who hears the word but does not act to a person looking in a mirror and immediately forgetting what they saw.  

So why is this scripture important? Because so many of us pick and choose what we want to do and how we want to live. We reason in our minds it is OK to gossip, even though the Bible tells us not to.  It is OK to judge others, even though we know it is wrong.  It is OK to eat and drink in excess, even though we are to do all things in moderation.  It is OK to indulge in gambling, even though we have been told it will lead to destruction.  It is OK not to honor our parents, even though we have been commanded to honor our parents.  It is OK to lie, even though it is an abominationto God, and contrary to His nature of truth.

This scripture emphases the importance of practical application, which includes applying scriptural principles to work, to our relationships, to our thoughts, to our words, and to living out our lives.  For even though our actions will not get us to heaven, our actions reveal our faith! God Bless.  Amen.  

denise