Being a Christian is not just about hearing the Word; it’s about living it out. Today, we’re going to take a shorter and more direct journey through the Scriptures to realize that our faith demands action.
We often rush through our Bible reading, but remember, it’s not about getting through the Bible; it’s about letting the Bible get through us.
“His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.'”
-John 2:5
Simple advice: Do whatever Jesus tells you to do. This is the essence of being a follower of Christ.
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
-James 1:22
If we’re not doing what the Lord says, can we truly call Him our Lord? Let that sink in.
Our lives, when infused with the gospel, should infect and affect others positively. Just like a contagious virus, the gospel-infused life should be more contagious than anything else.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
-James 1:5
Knowledge is abundant, but wisdom is the real treasure. It’s not about accumulating information but receiving divine insight.
“For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.”
James 1:23-24
The Bible is like a mirror. We look at it and see ourselves. The point is not just to see but to act upon what we see with the help of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible is the perfect will of God, even though it may seem imperfect to us. Obedience to His Word leads to liberty and life.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
-John 10:10
Walking toward the cross leads to life, while walking toward the world leads to death.
The Bible is both a map and a mirror. It guides us and reflects our imperfections. We’re spiritually bankrupt, but God paid our debt through Jesus Christ.
Don’t be deceived by religious routines. Religion is about showing up, while a true relationship with Jesus is about living out His teachings every day.
Each week, we’ll hold up the mirror of God’s Word and ask:
- What does it say?
- What does it mean?
- What am I supposed to do about it?
Let’s be doers of the Word.
Christian growth is a journey of progressive sanctification. It’s about taking one step of faith at a time, moving from “come and see” to “come and die.”
Remember, you’re not a mistaker in need of improvement; you’re a sinner in need of a Savior.
So, what’s your next step of obedience towards the Good Shepherd? Whether it’s joining a small group, serving, forgiving, or discovering your purpose, take that step today.
In closing, let’s live out our faith, knowing that it’s not enough to hear the Word—we must do it. Let’s know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference in the world. Together, as doers of the Word, we can spread the contagious gospel and truly reflect the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
– Pastor Joe