James is a book I've read numerous times. It's a good book on putting our Faith into action. I've heard & even read all the time that all we need is faith. We can't work our way to Heaven and that works alone can't save you. Which is true. But at the same time works is needed to progressively grow in that said Faith. In other words we need to put that Faith we have in action. We have to produce Fruit. We need a balance of the two. I love this section of scriptures that I'm about to share from James.
James Ch 1 19-25.
James 1:19 "My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20. for human anger does not accomplish God's righteousness. 21. Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22. But be doers of the word and not hears only, deceiving yourselves. 23. Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like someone looking at his own face in a mirror. 24. For he looks at himself, goes away, and immedialty forgets what kind of person he was. 25. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works - this person will be blessed in what he does."
First thing it points out is "be quick to listen." Listening is a great tool we all have. Sometimes all we need is to simply listen. Listening helps process what is being said before we jump to speak or get angry. We have to slow down. Don't express yourself so quickly. Listen to the word of God & let it be implanted in you.
Secondly we have to be not just hearers of the word but also Doers of the word. The enemy is thrilled when the churches are packed out to hear the word & does nothing with that word. What is the point of attending Church then is we simply hear the word & do nothing with it? What's the point of even own the bible if we don't apply it & practice what it teaches into our daily life?
Don't be a couch potato Christian that sits there and say "feed me more word" and get spiritually fat but never exercise the faith. Faith needs to be exercised. It needs to be put into practice. The Church needs to DO! Yes listen but we need to DO! We have to eat & exercise. Care for people in their distress. Help someone out. Serve somebody. That is pure and genuine religion in the site of God. Love & Serve People!
Romans 2:13 says "for the hearers of the word are not righteous before God. But the doers of the law will be justified."
Again, there needs to be balance. Hear the word & Do the word! Eat & exercise! Study & Practice!
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