Day 3 – We belong to God and need to put what he says into practice

“Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Those who listen to the word but do not do what it says are like people who look at their faces in a mirror and, after looking at themselves, go away and immediately forget what they look like. But those who look intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continue in it – not forgetting what they have heard but doing it – they will be blessed in what they do. Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”

James 1:22-26 (TNIV)

So far this week we have seen how important it is to be born again and live this in practice, including developing our relationship with God through prayer and studying the scripture.

Here James reminds us that study is not enough – obedience is what God needs from us. Yet it is possible for us to deceive ourselves by listening to God’s word and thinking that it has changed us. James’ illustration of this is remarkable. He’s not just describing someone who forgets something they have learned – they are forgetting themselves, their own appearance, their identity. It’s true that God’s word is amazing – it’s the only way we can learn what God is about, and what we need to do as a result. It shows us who we really are, like a mirror.

Scripture is powerful and changes the way we think about things. We can even commit to changing the way we act after a good bible study. But if we don’t act on what we have learned and committed to do, we don’t just lose touch with God, we lose touch with our new selves – the changed, renewed people God is making us into. This means we carry round a distorted self image, undermining our self esteem and our ability to progress the way God wants us to. It might mean that we think we’re bad people, and become more open to temptation and finding satisfaction in our own interests, away from obedience to God. So putting the word into practice is vital.

The result of studying the word and putting it into practice is being blessed in what we do. That’s not a blessing on things we wanted to do before God changed us, it’s a promise that God will change us through his word, and the things we do as a result of putting it into practice will be things God is pleased with. Notice that James also says that the “perfect law” gives “freedom”. It sounds like a contradiction in terms – aren’t laws about restricting what we’re allowed to do? In this case, God’s law frees us from the control of sin and makes us free to live the life God made us for, learning to see ourselves as God sees us. God offers a real pathway to personal, practical change through the Bible – let’s thank him for that.

Notice also James’ next warning about how we can deceive ourselves – if we think we’re following God earnestly but our choice of words does not reflect this. Boasting how well we’re following God is one way to deceive ourselves, as is gossiping, manipulating, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, and lying. Our words can show people what we are thinking – good and bad – but we’re not to say everything we think. We’re expected to “keep a tight rein”, choosing what to say, mindful of the effect it will have on others. Failing to do this can be a sign to us that we have an attitude we need to change. When God helps us to succeed in controlling our words, we can show love, and demonstrate God’s control of our lives. So how well do we do at this? Are we famous for mouthing off, or for loving people?

To consider and pray throughout today

• What have I read that God has recently helped me put into practice – what has changed?
• What have I read that I have not yet put into practice – what do I need to change?
• How are my words, and the effect they have on others, showing God in control of my life?