For example, we regularly spend time reading the bible. Some of us have the goal to read the bible in a year. We memorize scripture. We praying. We listening to worship music in the house and in the car. We attend church and bible studies regularly. We read Christian books and listen to sermons and podcast.
You may be thinking, “That’s not a bad thing! What’s your point?”
A few Sundays ago, I was reminded that we are not to just give mental accent to scripture. This truth has sat with me ever since I heard it. Why? Because I am one of those individuals. I love to be saturated in God's word. I love to listen to podcasts and read books. I like to share what I learned hence this post.
But let me ask you a few questions that the pastor asked the congregation.
- What scripture did you obey today?
- That person you struggle to love... You know, the one that you have gossip and slander about. How have you bridled your tongue towards them today?
- How have your thoughts towards them been honoring to the individual and to God?
- Today, how did go out of your way to ask them to forgive you?
- Who did you actively forgive today? Did you tell them?
- How were you quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger today?
- Who did you show mercy and grace to today?
- Who did you serve today?
- Today, who did you sit with and join them in their affliction?
- In what way were you humble and put others before yourself?
- What steps today did you take to pursue holiness?
I think you get the point. I sure did! What scripture did you read/hear today that you obeyed and put into practice?
James 1:22-25 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 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. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”
