Read
22And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. If you don’t obey, you are only fooling yourself. 23For if you just listen and don’t obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve your appearance. 24You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25But if you keep looking steadily into God’s perfect law–the law that sets you free–and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
26If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. 27Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.
Reflect
I know of people who don’t go to church anymore because they don’t get anything from it - yet - never really participated in the community of believers they professed to be members of. It’s no wonder they didn’t get anything out of it.
This must have been what James was warning us about. If we just listen but not obey, then we are just fooling ourselves. We practice a vain religion. “Look at me - I go to church.” We go expecting others to serve us. We want an experience without putting Christian principles into action. We listen to sermons about serving but always have an excuse not to help out.
A REAL relationship with God is one where we are responsive to His message. We hear and obey. We participate in fellowship with others in the community. We care for those who are forgotten. We touch the untouchables.
Respond
Have you ever caught yourself listening but not obeying God?
There are a lot of people who think going to church on Sunday mornings is good enough. Why is it important to be active in service to others?
What can you do to respond to God? Make a point today to get involved, instead of watching.
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