- Lesson 3 in the Connect360 unit “The Making of Authentic Faith: Wisdom that Works” focuses on James 1:19-27.
Not only are we to receive God’s word in humility, but we are also to do what it says. It is not enough to know the word of God forward and backward. Plenty of people know in their head what is right and wrong, but it does not make them godly.
Imagine someone staring at themselves in the mirror: they go on and on about how attractive they are and how nice they look. Imagine that person walking away from the mirror and immediately forgetting what they look like. That would seem utterly ridiculous to most people.
For James, a person who only retains “head knowledge” of God’s word without allowing it to transform their life is like a person who looks in the mirror but cannot remember their own reflection. The mirror is a true reflection, and they see that reflection looking back at them. Still, the moment they walk away, they immediately forget what they look like.
True reflection
God’s word is like the mirror. Believers have the opportunity to look within it for a true reflection of the world and God’s commands. A person who merely hears Scripture without obeying God’s commands is like someone who looks in a mirror but can never remember who they are. God’s word tells us who we are. The person who not only hears God’s word but obeys it and allows it to transform them, experiences the blessings and growth that accompany a life pleasing to the Lord.
There is a direct correlation between receiving the gifts of God and following the will of God as revealed in his word. God delights in blessing those who live in faithful relationship with him, hearing and obeying his word.
Compiled by Stan Granberry, marketing coordinator for GC2 Press, formerly known as BaptistWay Press.
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