Monday, July 13, 2009

Accept the Challenge

The strategic difference between a “doer of the Word” and one who is not is the fact that the one who “does” accepts the challenge.

In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. This you know, my beloved brethren But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. James 1:18-25.


“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. Vv. 22.

Last night at the Mission Center a Hispanic couple from Dallas walked through our front door. They had heard about the ministry of the Hope Migrant Mission CenteBut this couple did not appear to be Migrant Farm Laborers, and my hunch proved to be true. r and exited off Interstate 30 simply to see what we do. They told me that they were members of a large Hispanic Congregation in Dallas and after seeing what is provided for the Migrants now want to be of help to us. I believe that they understand what it means to be “doers of the word and not merely hearers who delude themselves”. In other words, they “walk the walk and talk the talk”.


How much easier it would have been for them to continue on their way to Dallas than to take the 5 minute drive to the Center, but they chose to visit and are now, perhaps, encouraged enough to help share the Gospel. This was a simple gesture, but gives evidence of their commitment to the word of God. They want to help those who are in need of hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their actions speak of their intent of following Christ.


For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. Vv. 23-24.


Are you able to describe yourself to others? Detective work entails detailed descriptions of those who are involved in crime or accidents which enables them to find offenders and victims. But the description that James is speaking of is not physical appearance, but of spiritual assessment. He comments that when one looks into a mirror and walks away from it short term memory erases what image is portrayed. However, note that James uses the phrase, “what kind of person he was”.


The fact is that James is speaking of the heart, not the facial impression. In other words, who are you spiritually? Are you only play-acting and not a participant? This is to ask, “Are you not a member of the supporting cast, either?”


But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. V. 25.

Believers are to be participants in the Spiritual Journey by effectively being an example of the Christ in daily living. No one can do this better than you, the Believer. We cannot expect others to do this for us. WE are to walk this path, but not alone. Christ has promised over and over again that He will be our Friend and walk this journey with us. However, we must first give ourselves to the task.


Jesus is Lord
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