Do Not Merely Listen

DO NOT MERELY LISTEN TO THE WORD AND SO DECEIVE YOURSELVES. DO WHAT IT SAYS. James 1.22.

When I was a youngster, I used to read the Scripture Union Bible notes, ‘The daily Bread’. I took interest in distributing it to my church members, encouraging them also to read the Bible daily. On its opening page were tips to get the maximum benefit out of the readings: Observe: Is there a commandment to obey? Is there any sin that you should avoid?

These are two very practical things that you should be careful to observe as you keep reading the Word of God daily. Make them your prayer to God that He may give you the strength during the day to practise what you have learnt. I have been careful to take this advice. It has helped to mould my life according to the Word of God.

The same diligence is necessary as you go to church on Sundays and listen to the preaching. You must go prepared and with the expectation to hear God speak to you through His servants. For a half an hour sermon, they prepare for weeks and months, waiting on God and searching His Word. We should at least take the trouble to listen attentively. Keep awake. Do not play with your phone or keep chatting with your fiancé! Open your Bible and look up the references. Write simple notes or scribble the points. It will help you to concentrate. You won't easily forget the message. Don’t feel shy to write, thinking that others would consider you a fanatic or super-spiritual.

The truth is that most of what is preached on a Sunday is forgotten by most people even before they get out of the church and go for lunch! Consider it seriously. Is it God’s desire and purpose for you to hear and forget what He teaches you Sunday after Sunday? Jesus was very concerned about how people responded to His teachings. He told His hearers, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash” (Mt 7.26,27).

James the apostle, having been similarly concerned about believers like us today, said, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (Ja 1.22). Dear believer, stop deceiving yourself! Start building your life on the rock of God's Word!

Pray and practise with me: Dear Lord, You have warned me and Your Word cautions me not to be just a listener of the Word. Help me to take note and practice what I hear. Amen.