Be Not “a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer”
Our children are “selfie” pros. Last night reaffirmed what was already known: I am terrible at taking “selfies.” Are you too? Do you also lack this talent and wonder how this skill could be improved? As with learning anything, let us first look at some reasons why our “selfie” skills are lacking.
- It could be because we did not grow up with a cell phone in our pocket, so holding the phone just so: at the right length away, at the correct angle, and tipping your head to get that perfect photo is difficult.
- It could also possibly be that we are too short, so our short arms hinder us from getting the cell phone far enough away for that perfect photo. OR
- It could be that we have taken a few photos and immediately deleted them because of their quality. It is just that we have not taken enough pictures to “learn” how to take that perfect photo.
- It could be that we have stood in front of our mirror and practiced taking the perfect “selfie,” but then when we have later needed that skill—we have forgotten what to do.
Whatever the reason, “selfie” photos can sometimes be a daunting task. The realization of this manmade skill can resemble and even remind us of the difficulty of walking the narrow path of Jesus.
Let us be honest; some days are just more difficult than others.
- Thank goodness, God’s Word never changes. AND
- Thank goodness, God Word is forever.
The psalmist speaks this truth.
“Forever, O LORD,
(The Psalms 119: 89 NASB)
Your word is settled in heaven.”
We need to remember: God is still at work, bringing His plan to completion. That is right, and even though chaos, violence, war, and evil fills our televisions and social media reels, we are to not become dismayed. What we are seeing are the consequences of humanity’s sinful state. We are seeing a picture of mankind’s rebellion against God.
Each day brings battles and temptations to follow Satan’s evil ways, BUT our strength as believers in Christ Jesus’ work on the cross and in the grave—comes from God Himself. God will work out His plan, and God will have the final word.
Someday, you and I will see Him face-to-face, and as Christ’s followers, we will see Him in all His glory.
In the meantime, during the wait, and while the world watches, we should remain in God’s Word and not be “a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer.”
“But prove yourselves doers of the word,
(The Letter of James 1: 22-25 NASB)
and not merely hearers who delude themselves.
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer,
he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;
for once he has looked at himself and gone away,
he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.
But one who looks intently at the perfect law,
the law of liberty, and abides by it,
not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer,
this man will be blessed in what he does.”
Each day moves us one day closer to “that day,” when Jesus will return.
Satan and evil will be defeated.
God’s Perfect Plan will be fulfilled.
Christians know the Bible speaks this truth, that God will exact a glorious resolution to His Story.
As we await “that day,” let us be alert—
- For opportunities to share the good news of Christ’s love.
- For those times when we can offer our neighbors a helping hand.
- For those “selfie” photos that we can take with those who choose to respond to God’s offer of salvation.
May we never delete those “selfies.” AND
May we never underestimate what God can do through us to reach others in the name of Jesus.