Doers of the Word

Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but one who does good work-this person will be blessed by what he does.

If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, then his religion is useless and he deceives himself. Pure and undefined religion before our Gkd and father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself untainted by the world. James 1:22-27

We can go to church, sing beautiful songs, feel goosebumps, listen to a great message but go home unchanged. How is this? Unless we have a desire to, we will not change  and be open to God and we will stay the same.

Are you content with who you are and where you are in God? Have you said: ' this is as far as I will go!' Or have you courted you natural appetites by spending copious amounts of time thinking about what will please you?

James is challenging us to go beyond our comfort and embrace God's ways. He is ever expanding, ever changing and ever concerned for others.

Another area is our tongue. Do we say what we think? Just blurting out? Or do we control our tongue and be aware that others don't need our garbage?

Especially when under stress or tired, this is a hard call, but not impossible. Last night we discovered that if we lack wisdom we should ask God for it. Self-control is another such thing. If I lack self-control then I only need to ask for it. My God will then train me in it. Much like a horse trainer does. He puts a bit in my mouth and takes hold of the reins.

Now to discipline myself to go for a 25km bike ride. My body would love a lazy Saturday morning, but if I do that I have become unfaithful to my promise. Off I go!!!