Monday, November 26, 2007

Be Doers of the Word

I was strongly reminded of where I've been reading lately after reading a couple posts by some single ladies, Ame and Lizzie.

James 1:22-27 (Amplified Bible)

22 But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].

23 For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it and being a doer of it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his [own] natural face in a mirror;

24 For he thoughtfully observes himself, and then goes off and promptly forgets what he was like.

25 But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience).

26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious (piously observant of the external duties of his faith) and does not bridle his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person's religious service is worthless (futile, barren).

27 External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.


My heart hurts to think how we dishonor and disgrace and cause to be put to shame, our Lord the Christ because we are such a self-consumed people.
Will we be those to whom Jesus says "Depart from Me, I know you not."?

1 comment:

Ame said...

Thank you, David. May I not be self-consumed either.