Hear, Listen And Do - James 1:22 (NIV)

Scripture of the Day

James 1:22 (NIV)

“Hear, Listen And Do”

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

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James is telling us that we cannot simply hear the word and expect a result of change . . . we must do what the word says!  When parents give their child instruction, the child usually respond (verbal/nonverbal) with, “I heard you the first time!”.  Yet they have done nothing. But you find yourself telling them again, and again!  Many times, GOD is doing the same thing with us.  HIS word tells us what we are suppose to do, and we say we heard, but HE has to continue telling us the same thing, because we still haven't done it. 

The definition of “Listen” is to concentrate, pay attention, or take heed.  Many times parents can see that their child is only hearing, but not listening.  So when the parent ask the child “What did I say?”  That child is not able to give a proper response, because they did not listen.  GOD wants us to hear, listen and do what HIS word says.  Hearing keeps us aware and alert.  Listening allows us to process what needs to be done.  When you hear a loud boom . . . your listening will process what has been heard . . . and you will do what is necessary to take cover and find safety!  If you hear a small puppy barking . . . your listening will process what has been heard . . . and most of us would not take cover, nor would we think there is any danger.  If we hear the promises of GOD . . . our listening should be able to process . . . and do what the LORD requires of us!  If we hear the consequences of sin . . . our listening should process what the LORD requires of us . . . which is repentance!

We cannot just hear GOD’s Word!  And we should not hear HIS Word and then do without listening first!  We are suppose to be quick to listen!  A lot of mistakes have been made because of “Not listening”  This is why I always say, “Don’t try to read GOD’s Word when you are angry in sin, because you will hear the wrong thing, and you won’t listen to anything”  GOD will speak . . . are you listening?

Love Sincerely