Mature Reactions
Take Action – Part 2

Scripture Reading: James 1:22-27

Key Verse: James 1:22

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Are you doing all you know you ought to be doing in response to God’s Spirit in you?  As you live out your life, is there peace in your heart that you are not ignoring any truth presented in God’s Word?  These are the questions that James 1:22 is truly asking.

For example, are you cheating the government of any the taxes that you know you owe?  When people take cash “under the table” for work done in order to avoid paying taxes, they are ignoring what Jesus taught.  Jesus told us to pay our government what we should, as well as giving to God what is God’s!  (Mark 12:17).

Another example, are you allowing yourself to use language that includes cursing?  The Bible tells us not to use unwholesome language (Ephesians 4:29).  As we walk with the Lord, the way we talk and the words we use will no longer be our choice; Jesus must be Lord over all our life.  God doesn’t expect perfection, but He does expect our best efforts.  If you struggle with using your old worldly style of communication, God wants to help you as you determine to break those verbal habits.

There could be dozens of examples used to show how God brings truth to our lives and challenges us to change!  Make sure you do not fall into the group that God would judge as hearers but not doers of His Word.

Father, make me sensitive to any lifestyle issues that are not Christ like in me.  In Jesus‘ name, amen.