Be A Doer in Christ!

"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."  - Philippians 4:9 

Hearing is one of our most important senses. Imagine the world without being able to hear the soft patter of rain against a window, a beautiful piece of music, a bird's song, or the soft cooing of a baby.

Those of us who are blessed with hearing often take it for granted. It becomes so natural that we don't notice it until it has been diminished, or even taken away. Even so, many of us who do have it, in many ways, don't use it fully.

For example, there's the person who professes to hear God speak, but doesn't listen. We may hear them proclaim that God has spoken to, or instructed them in some way or another. But did they really listen to Him?

I like to use the old idiom "the proof is in the pudding" as a guideline as to whether they truly listened to God or not. The proof lies in the end result of their claim. In other words, is there sufficient evidence that they put God's words into action?

Jesus was speaking to a crowd of his disciples, as he did on many occasions, when he told them, "As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like" (Luke 6:47).

It's quite obvious from this statement that he didn't want them to just sit there on there hands and listen to what he had to say, no, he was looking for people to put his words into action. After all, what good is fruit if it just hangs on the tree?

We, too, must ask ourselves if we are simply hearers and not doers of His words (James 1:22). Jesus provides us with an excellent example using the two wise and foolish builders in Luke 6:46-49. Just saying we believe is not enough, we must demonstrate it.

Jesus never meant for us to just hear his words. A solid foundation of faith is based on digging into His word, and then building on it. A strong faith is not gained through osmosis but by work and effort. Be a doer, not just a hearer!

Scripture: Isaiah 30:21; Luke 11:28; Hebrews 2:1; Proverbs 19:20; Matthew 4:4

Prayer: Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation, amen.  - Psalm 25:4-5 (ESV)

Bless you always,

Brielle