POWER OF GOD’S WORD FOR IMPACT (10)

“But be DOERS of the WORD, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” – James 1:22

It is in DOING more than in just hearing that we encounter the POWER of GOD’S WORD for IMPACT: “But be DOERS of the WORD, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (Jam.1:22). This passage of scripture emphasizes the dynamic power of God’s Word when embraced and expressed. Believers are urged to not just listen to the Word, but to actively apply it, leading to genuine transformation and the blessed life: “But he who looks into the prefect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (v.25).

James the apostle, by God’s Wisdom, used a mirror analogy to illustrate the difference between merely hearing the Word and becoming a doer, highlighting the importance of living out the truth we hear. Of course, the entire process begins with receiving the “implanted word” with meekness, acknowledging its ability to save souls (v.21). This implies a humble and receptive attitude toward God’s truth. However, being a hearer only can lead to self-deception. Simply listening and hearing without action is likened to looking into a mirror and forgetting one’s reflection, indicating a lack of lasting impact (vv.23-24).

James pinpointed three “enemies” of Impact: Sin; arrogance; and not doing the right thing. The idea of the Implanted Word is akin to our lives being a seedbed for the Word of God to be planted in. Our Lord Jesus Christ taught this in the parable of the Sower, seeds, and soils in Matthew 13. For the Word to flourish in our lives to make the most of our lives, for it to produce in us what it inherently can do, it needs good soil, not hard, not rocky, not thorny. Sin soils the soil! Also, if the Word will make the most of our lives, we have to receive it with meekness, not self-righteous arrogance.

What counts for enduring, life-transforming, soul-saving, God-glorifying Impact is to be a Doer! We must move beyond passive listening to active engagement with God’s Word, leading to a life transformed by its Power and Grace. God’s Word is described as a “Perfect Law of Liberty” (v.25). Those who diligently study and apply this Law are blessed in what they do, experiencing true freedom and change. In other words, there is an inseparable connection between Faith and Action.

True Faith is demonstrated through a changed life! When the Word is not only heard but enters into us and is joyfully received and cherished it is planted in our souls and does its work: convicting of sin, encouraging, transforming – always at work in us!