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Articles
Just Do It!
“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” James 1:22
After beginning his letter explaining how humility and wisdom allow Christians to find joy in times of trials, James continues to provide very direct instruction on faithful living. He just tells it like it is, and it is up to each individual to respond accordingly. Chapter 1 of James ends as a sort of hypocrisy antidote, encouraging Christians to genuinely live their faith.
Hear with Humility (James 1:19-21). There is no faith without hearing (Romans 10:17). While James directs us to take action in our faith, “hearing” is the first action to which we need to give plenty of attention. Without taking the time to hear the word and understand what God is saying through the Scriptures, then you will not know the right actions to take. You need to hear the word with the purpose of being transformed by it. After all, verse 21 reminds us that souls are saved by God’s word!
James 1:21 also highlights the significance of humility. You have to approach God’s word with a willingness to admit, “I was wrong.” If you are not open to the possibility of being wrong and that you may need to change your mind, then your heart will not actually hear the word of God. Over time you should grow in confidence, but you must always remain humble. Humility is about having a soft heart, not a soft brain. A heart that lacks humility is like the rocky soil in Luke 8 - a heart that hears the word of God but never allows it to take root.
Do it with Diligence (James 1:22-27). After hearing the word of God you have to put it into practice. Being a faithful Christian is about both believing the right things and also doing the right things. Faith starts with belief but it ends with action (James 2:14-26). On a basketball team, if a player refused to do what the coach told him to do, that player would be benched. One might wonder how many Christians would be “benched” for failure to listen to God’s instructions.
What is it we are supposed to do? James tells us to listen and to control our tongue (James 1:19). He tells us to obey God’s word (James 1:22). He tells us to look after those less fortunate than ourselves (James 1:27a). Finally, he tells us to remain “unstained by the world” (James 1:27b). Christians should want nothing to do with sin. There is no checklist for us to adhere to. Rather, faith is about an effort to transform our hearts and shape our lives according to God’s word.
These things are easy to read, but a lot more difficult to practice with consistency. This is where humility and diligence can make all the difference. Hearing and doing are necessary actions we must take. Humility and diligence are issues of the heart. Christians are transformed from the inside out. True humility of heart should motivate you to diligently serve God and keep His word. Let’s not overcomplicate things. He’s given us the Scriptures. Read it and do it!
