There are a number of people that come to Church, but what is their reason for coming? There are some that come and appear to be frustrated the entire time they are in service. There are some who come that have been dealing with a number of life issues. There are some who come, because this is where you are supposed to be on Sunday morning. The list can go on, but the reality of the situation is everyone should come to grow closer to the Lord. You can only grow closer to the Lord by making sure you are open. Let me explain, when you are listening to the Word of the Lord, what is your posture? Are you open to the Word of the Lord, or are you just a hearer? If you are open to the Word of the Lord, then you apply His Words to your life. As you do, your relationship with the Lord will change because you are going closer to Him. However, if you are a hearer you will leave the service the same way you came in. In essence the posture you have taken will not allow the Lord to impact your life.
In James 1:22-25, the writer wants the reader to understand there is a difference between hearing and doing. Hearing is the first step, and the natural progression is doing. But, the writer is concerned about the natural progression. He is seeing some people take the first step and appear to be stuck. He has come to this conclusion because there is no evidence of the Lord impacting their lives. These are people that are deceiving themselves because they think all they need to do is to be a hearer. In essence the writer is not seeing any spiritual growth in those that are hearers. The writer gives an example of what a hearer does. This is an example of what a hearer does: If you look in the mirror and you see something wrong with your appearance, but you don’t do anything about it. They hear it, but choose to do nothing with what they hear. These people are doing a disservice to their spiritual being. However, if you choose to be a doer, then you are allowing the Word of the Lord to impact your spiritual being. When this happens, then you are able to see the Lord working through your life to help yourself and others. Also, your relationship with the Lord grows, and you are blessed by allowing the Word of the Lord to impact your life. Therefore, make sure you are open and ready to receive the Word of the Lord.
When you attend Church, do you come open and ready to receive? If so, you will not leave disappointed, the Lord will supply what is needed in your life. Then it’s left up to you to be a doer of the word, knowing it will cause you to grow. Continue to walk in your blessings!
