My kids memorize a Bible verse for school each week. At church they have a verse to memorize each month. At home I have verses written on boards and coming out of my mouth as I teach them about life and blessing and obedience. They’re satiated.
But if all that talk doesn’t change how they treat their brother — and whether or not they step on the other one’s face…literally — they’re missing the point.
I don’t say that with any twinge of hopelessness. They’re kids and they’re learning. We’re laying a foundation in their spirit by faith that God will one day bring forth the harvest. Praying that by His grace they don’t hurt each other too badly before He does.
But me? I’m no longer a child. Except maybe when I play laser tag. I’m a grown woman who now stands accountable before a holy God. Does that make anyone else tremble?
Do you remember what Jesus calls us when we speak the Word and memorize the Word and declare the Word but don’t do the Word? I don’t mean “do” as in a long list of laws. I mean “do” as a result of true heart belief. He calls us hypocrites.
Call it my soapbox, but God’s Word is meant to change us. If we preach it and tweet it and Facebook pithy sayings but then turn around and speak bitter words from an unforgiving spirit, we’re missing the point of it all. We’re peddlers of the Word. (2 Corinthians 2:17)
Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: ‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’
-Jesus, Matthew 15:7-9
If I say I love my brother, but won’t forgive the wrong he did, then I’m missing it. If I say I love my sister, but plan revenge and hope for her loss, then my faith is empty.
I don’t want to “peddle” what my God says. I don’t tell you all the things you should do that will bring you the greatest blessing if it isn’t truly changing me on Monday and Tuesday. I want to live this day boldly believing that love is absolutely the best way. The freedom way.
As usual you’re catching a glimpse of me preaching to myself. Because I’ve had to make some choices lately. I’ve had to decide whom I serve: me and my deceptive heart or this awesome God of ours who pours out indescribable love. By His grace, I choose God.
Fill me, Lord…
How do you seek to be a “doer” and not just a hearer of God’s Word?
Yes, I aspire to be a doer – all the time. I wish I could confidently say that I manage this well. I’m usually just a breath and a short prayer away from having good connections with people. At least, that’s how I was congratulating myself on being the other day. I was in the middle of a very worshipful song, singing practically to the top of my lungs how great God is…and, well, a woman cut me off in traffic. I was SO mad!! And then, in an instant, it became so clear to me how far out of God’s will I was, so quickly. Of course, I repented almost immediately, but the enemy used this as an opportunity to tell me what a bad, hypocrital christian I was. I spent the next period of time, asking God to forgive me for so blatant a sin, and then reminding myself of scripture that says he forgives me. Geez, it’s so much better to stick close to God and do what I know to do than to be caught in disobedience. I’m so glad for God’s mercy and how he took that situation and continues to remind me to love others. Yep, be a doer and not a hearer only is GOOD advice!
I’m so thankful for His great grace! Couldn’t live this life without it. Even when we fail to “do”…again…He so graciously restores those who sincerely turn to Him. Blessings under His mercy, sister.
Your words, from God, really spoke to me this morning!
Oh sister! We just had this EXACT conversation in the car. Told them it’s like looking in the mirror and forgetting what they look like. Knowing God’s Word, having His Spirit and then choosing to go against what we know. Preach it girl!!
Lara, I don’t stop by often enough and tell you thank you for being such an authentic inspiration. Having your words delivered to my inbox always challenges me and gives me food for thought. Thanks again, I am blessed to call you friend.