Applying the Word to Life

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. (James 1:22-25 NIV)

This week, I gave a message on the God of peace to our students.  I spoke very frankly on how Jesus should make a difference in our lives in terms of how we deal with stress because He is the God of peace. Afterwards, I had two students thank me for the message, but, honestly, I feared it didn’t really impact them in any serious way.  I know a lot of pastors get thanked at the door for messages that, in reality, will have little impact on the way people live their lives.  

Yet, to my delight, the next day I began seeing posts on Facebook referring to my message and the Scriptures I used.  They hadn’t just listened; they were taking my words and the Word to heart and applying it to their lives—exactly what James is talking about.

If we grew up going to church or have been involved with a community of believers for awhile, the challenge always is to not only read or hear the Word, but to act on what it commands.  We are told repeatedly of the importance of “getting into the Word” and the expectation is for us, as believers, to be in church every Sunday to listen to the Word being proclaimed.  But according to James, that is of little real value unless we take what we read/hear and put it into practice.  

The danger for us is to grow content with just reading and listening to the Word.  It can feel good and we can get plenty of kudos for our commitment and discipline.  But James pointedly says we are deceived if we think this is enough.  It means nothing if we do not take what we’ve heard and apply it to our lives.  

Today, remember the Word of God is not a book merely to be read or listened to.  It is to be applied to your life.  And in doing so, you will be greatly blessed.

© Jim Musser 2012