Hearing and Obeying

Isaiah 29-31; James 1 

“…get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

James 1:21, 22

With the abundance of good teaching, books, sermons, and audio files available and accessible to everyone, particularly those in the West, our challenge becomes not about knowing the truth, but rather, obeying the truth. We know far more than we are applying, or obeying. If we continue to define and limit church to a one hour listening exercise on Sunday, we will deceive ourselves into thinking we are growing in maturity and Christ-likeness. To live on mission with Jesus requires that we rid ourselves of immoral entertainment and anything else that grieves the Holy Spirit, and that we humble ourselves through daily listening to and obeying God’s Word and Spirit. The Spirit of God within us will lead us into obedience and mission each day if we will follow him.

“Lord Jesus, thank you for your Word, living and active. I humble myself before you this day and choose obedience to your Word and the promptings of your Spirit, for your glory.”