It is one thing to read the Word of God, but if that reading does not lead to action, then what is the point? In the book of James, there is a section in chapter one about being a doer of the Word. James takes the opportunity to teach how to be a doer, as well as the dangers of just being a hearer of the Word.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 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. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 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 1:22-25
There is a real danger of being a hearer only of the Word. As James describes it, it's like a man who looks in the mirror and does not remember what he saw. Essentially, this means that you have gained nothing. Someone who looks in the mirror and does not remember their face has gained nothing from looking in the mirror. So is the hearing of the Word of God. You can hear it all day long but unless you put in into action, you have gained nothing. Charles Spurgeon writes,
“I fear we have many such in all congregations; admiring hearers, affectionate hearers, attached hearers, but all the while unblest hearers, because they are not doers of the word.” - Charles Spurgeon
Anyone can sit in a congregation and hear a sermon. Anybody can admire their pastor or be affectionate towards what they hear, but if taking the Word of God and putting into practice, you are in danger.
When you hear the Word of God preached, the first step is humbling your heart and receiving it well. Then as you hear the Word preached, you must go into your week thinking of ways to practice what you've learned. This is the way to become a doer of the Word in your daily life.
Want to learn more about being a doer of the Word? Listen to these additional resources.
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