Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror…

James 1:23

I awoke from my nap in a panic. I was going to be late to rehearsal. I ran to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. My mascara was smeared, my lipstick was gone, and one earring was apparently left on my pillow. What did I do? I started making these things right! I began a repair project!

James 1:23-24 says that anyone who hears the Word and does not obey it is like a man who looks in the mirror, then walks away, forgetting what he saw. The purpose of that look in the mirror is to see where there are problems, to glimpse areas that need correction, then to prod one to action! God’s Word is the mirror that shows us our sinful habits, our ugly attitudes, our selfish leanings. Awareness of these shortcomings is not sufficient. We must move to remedy what we see! Hearing God’s Word, but not allowing it to change us, is like looking in a mirror, then walking away, forgetting what we look like.

James 1:25 says, But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does. God blesses the efforts of those who let his Word change them.

 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us what the Word does for us: It is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. What good is it to receive training, correction, instruction, then not put it to good use?  Jesus said, Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it (Luke 11: 28).

Lord, give me ears to hear and a heart to act.

Jill Hardin