“Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22 (NIV)
There are numerous times when we sit on social media, scrolling through biblical content, listening to spiritual podcasts, or reading a really meaningful Scripture passage, and somehow we feel as though we’ve upgraded our intimacy with Christ by 50%. But the next day, when we ask ourselves, “What was it I listened to that really got me motivated?” we often have no recollection. This is what James was reminding us of: that we are not called to listen alone, but to internalise and obey.
Throughout our lives, we’ve had many interactions with different people. Sometimes, while they speak, we just hear their voice, but don’t actually process what they say. Someone may give us a command, and we may not always process it because we just listened; we didn’t truly understand what they said. In the same way, we can read our Bibles daily and keep a consistent routine, but do we read to apply what we read, or just for the sake of reading? Are we understanding what the Word is telling us so that it reflects in our lives? Yes, we can quote Scripture without truly knowing the Scripture.
When we only skim the surface of understanding, it becomes easy for us to misunderstand or redirect the original message to accommodate ourselves. And we’ve all done this countless times, intentional or not. I’ve surely done it.
As believers, called in the kingdom of God, we must have a certain depth of understanding of the Word of God. When we understand what our Lord says, our obedience will follow. Our lives are balls of light that reflect the Lord’s love into the lives of those around us, regardless of the amount of darkness they may hold in their lives. Hence, let’s ask ourselves: Are we really listening? When we read the Word or listen to our podcasts, do we really listen to apply, or do we just listen for the sake of hearing?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy. As I continue to grow deeper in You, help me to do as Your Word says. Help me not to be distracted by the worldly things around me, so that I may not just listen to Your Word but apply it in my life. Teach me to listen to Your voice and follow You closely, in Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Read: Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 30:21
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 106:32-39; 2 Corinthians 11:16-33; Isaiah 24; Isaiah 25; Isaiah 26