James chapter one tells us about people who hear the Word of God but are not obedient to it. It really is important to follow through after we have read the Word of God, listened to the preacher preach it or the teacher teach it. The Word of God is a living Word activated by the Spirit of God working in us. This living Word implanted in us is able to save our souls. But if we hear the Word and don’t obey and practice it, we deceive ourselves. What good will come of our pretence?

James compares the hearer who doesn’t do the Word to a man looking at his face in a glass. He looks at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. How can he improve his appearance or develop his character if he has forgotten the kind of image he saw? How can we claim to be followers of Christ if we don’t do His Word?

We are encouraged not to be forgetful hearers but to be doers of the Word. For by so doing, we will be blessed, and saved by the living Word of God. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Love His Word and live it, through Jesus Christ. Amen.