9^th February

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and then forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.”

James 1:22-25

Yesterday we looked at the power of God’s word as a double edged sword, having the ability to tear down the strongholds of the enemy, and the ability to expose our sins and make us accountable before God through His word. Today’s message further highlights the power of God’s word to transform our lives. After all, the Word is living and has throughout generations brought people closer to Jesus through the revelation of God’s character.

James adds that God’s word should be like a mirror for us. We should be able to look into His word and see our lives reflecting the character of Jesus and reflecting His perfect law (i.e. righteous living). Rick Warren, the author of the best selling ‘Purpose Driven Life’ book, shares his reflection on James’ wise words and summarises James’ message with the following points:-

• Read your Bible. “… whoever looks intently …” (look carefully..)

• Review the Bible. “… and continues in it …” (do what it says..)

• Remember the Bible. “… not forgetting what they have heard …” (don’t forget it..)

• Respond to the Bible. “… but doing it …” ¹ (do what it says..)

Simply put, reading God’s word should not become a religious act of reading one verse and then moving on with your day, forgetting what you have read and not even letting it transform your life. Reading God’s word, is about intentionally giving time to God, to allow Him to speak to us, reviewing what He is saying, remembering it and responding by putting into practice in our lives. It is then that we can experience true freedom and receive all the blessings God has in store for us.