Be willing to change II
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (NIV) James 1:22
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).
The person who looks at their face intently in the mirror, studying and remembering every detail is like the person who carefully studies God’s word. This person will not forget God’s commands and promises when facing a hard time or when temptation comes. On the other hand, the person who forgets what they look like as soon as they leave the mirror is like the person who only hears God’s word but does not listen to it or put it into practice. Verse 22 says that these people “deceive themselves” if they think they are doing what God wants.
As we strive to surrender ourselves totally to God, let’s reflect on how blessed we are through Him. These blessings should cause us to respond by offering ourselves to Him as a living sacrifice. We should always be “looking in the mirror” of His Word very carefully so we can see the areas where we need to improve. We will make mistakes, but the goal is to genuinely strive to live a perfect life for Him according to His Word.