The Bible states:”But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).
It is absolutely essential for believers in the Lord Jesus Christ to put in practice the teachings and instructions of God’s Holy Word. How else can we live spiritually productive, God-pleasing lives and thereby obtain the blessings God has in store for us?
The word “do” is an action verb, which means to “act on,” or “to carry out” what is required to be done. The Bible tells us what God requires His children to do: Here’s just one example: “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). So then, if we fail to act on this instruction we are not being doers of the Word.
James continues, “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 alike” (James 1:23,24).
Here are some reasons why we fail to practice what the Scriptures teach. Perhaps there’s a lack of interest or desire to study the Scriptures, or trying to memorize them. Another reason could be the preoccupation with non-spiritual things. Still yet another reason could be an unpredictable change in our circumstances which diverts our focus.
Admitted, there are legitimate issues in life that may impact our full compliance with the Scripture, even though there is a willingness and desire to do so. And God knows and understands. However, this should be more the exception rather than the rule. When there is the will accompanied by delight, devotion and joy, by studying God’s Word with its application in mind, then we are on the right track. God will be pleased to bless and reward the effort.
The Bible tells us about the “blessed man,” that “his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:1). Biblical meditation is vital for spiritual growth and maturity.
When Joshua succeeded Moses as Israel’s leader, God told Joshua, “This Book of the Law” shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and you will have good success. (Joshua 1:8).
Note these words: that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. In doing so, the result is you shall make your way prosperous, and you will have good success.
Think for a moment of the possibility that the Bible is telling you to do something, which you haven’t fully considered or decided to do as yet. Act on it as quickly as possible. There is no time like the present. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Christ said: I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown” (Revelation 3:11).
If there was ever a time when God’s Word is needed for help and guidance in a sinful, godless, immoral, and corrupt world, it is right now. There is also strong resistance to biblical truth.
The Lord Jesus said: “And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:10-12).
There’s no way of getting from it or getting around it; people need Jesus Christ in their lives. The Apostle Paul says, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth“ (Romans 1:18).
Christians are ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). Therefore, being doers of God’s Word, we have to make it known to those around us and beyond that they need to know Jesus Christ as their Savior, whom to know is having eternal life..
Christians should never be hesitant or ashamed to take the good news of salvation to others who may need to know Christ as their Savior. Paul declared: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).
The gospel essentially tells people how the power of God saves people who believe in Christ for their salvation. The righteousness of God is also revealed in the gospel. Paul continues from the quoted text:”For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17).
Believers in Jesus Christ are the righteous who shall live by faith. The Christian life is a life of faith in God. That is, trusting God, believing God, taking God at His word and claiming His great and wonderful promises, which God always fulfills.