“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:22-25
General Stonewall Jackson once faced a crucial valley campaign that had to be won if the South was to advance any further into Northern territory. The only thing standing in the way of his troops advancement was a river nearly seven feet deep and one hundred feet wide. Jackson commanded his engineers to devise a plan to build a bridge across the river. Then Jackson called his wagon master and told him it was vital that his troops get across the river as soon as possible. The wagon master began gathering logs, arranging workers, and building the expansive bridge. Soon the wagon master came back to Jackson and announced that the bridge was complete and the troops could cross. Stunned, General Jackson asked the man where the engineers were. “Oh,” he replied, “they’re still in their tent drawing up plans.”
This wagon master realized the importance of action. While there is a time for planning and preparation is necessary, the wagon master used his skills to get the job done while the engineers spent valuable time on drawing plans.
The Christian life is a battle. It’s not a slow river of peaceful tranquility that we all float down once we are saved, but it is a daily battle between our flesh and our spirit. In battle, it is vital to take action and be on the offensive. Imagine if General Jackson had spent days drawing plans and strategizing with his engineers. His troops may have never gotten across the river!
Even so, God’s Word shows us the importance of taking action in our Christian lives.– “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”– we’ve seen several commands and admonishments God has given us. But what good are those commands if we don’t follow them? What good is God’s warning if we do not heed it?
The Lord gives us a perfect example of the difference between hearing His Word and acting upon it: “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was” (vs. 23-24). What would you think if someone walked up to a mirror, saw their hair was out of place, then continued on their way? Something must be wrong! The same is true for us. God gives us commands, warns us of sin, and shows us our failures through His Word. It’s not good enough to simply see our shortcomings; we must also act upon them.
Has God pointed out some hidden sin in your life over the last few days? Perhaps He has shown you an area in which you need work. Don’t let those revelations go unheeded. Realizing your need without acting upon it leaves you in the same place you started.
Take time right now to read God’s Word— and ask God to reveal any sin or failure in your life. When God does reveal something to you, immediately repent of it and make things right. Don’t go about your Christian life with sin stained on your heart. –From Daily in the Word
