Devotional - November 16, 2022
Scripture: James 1: 22-25 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
I think I can speak for all when I say, we love to hear a good story, especially from a skilled storyteller. We love to get caught up in the words and imagery that come to bear when someone is spinning a tale for our enjoyment. For me, Audible (recorded books), is just as much a necessity for a road trip as munchies and fuel. I enjoy living vicariously through the characters and settings found within the pages while keeping a sharp eye on the road. Do I hear everything that goes on in the book, no. Do I when I read, ...nope. I miss parts whether I read or listen due to my attention-span. The minute a memory is triggered, or an idea pops up, there goes my focus on the book. If I am aware of it, I reread the material I missed. Sometimes, this process needs repeating. Nothing like taking fifteen minutes to read, and reread, a short paragraph and still not comprehend what is being said due to distractions. James calls his reader to actively use the Gospel in their life. To simply hear and understand what is being said is not enough. Even if you like what you hear, it is not enough. The Gospel is not for your entertainment or musings (Heb 4: 12). James depicts a common occurrence to which his reader can relate. The words he parallels in his teaching are listens and does not, and looks and forgets. The idea being, when we listen to the Gospel, we hear the contrast between It and our life. Similarly, when we understand, see, what is being said and how It differs from what we do, we look away and forget what we saw. Well, it doesn't work that way. We need to take note of the contrast and consider the issues that emerge. Remember, our efforts here are not for the sake of becoming a better person. Nothing wrong with that, but that is not our aim. This is a letter from James to the church. To those who belong to a Christ-centered, faith community and desire a closer relationship with God. All too often, the teachings of the Bible get categorized as self-help. They are not. Becoming a better person is certainly a by-product of Christianity, but it is not the focus. The focus is God and one's relationship to God, to others, and even to one's own self. James clarifies this in his next statement when he refers to the "perfect law" (Duet 6: 4-5, Lev 19:18, Matt 22: 37-40). James is not naive about this process. It is a process that requires continued effort, perseverance. In other words, you have to spend time thinking about it, meditating on it, and discussing it with others in a manner that James has previously mentioned. Christian living, especially when done in community, truly is a blessing. James knows this, and he wants us to as well.
Pray with me..., Holy God, we give thanks for Your presence amongst us. In Your grace we find the encouragement, growth, and rest our soul needs. May our feelings of guilt and regret not hinder the work of Your Spirit is doing within and amongst us as we continue on with You. Bless our loved ones, we pray, according to their needs. And yes Lord, bless our church, in Jesus name, Amen.
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
