“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 (NIV) We are bombarded with information. From billboards to books, from electronic media to engaging magazines, there is no void of information. The accessibility of information is literally at our fingertips. If you really want to know something, there are unlimited avenues of securing the information that you are seeking. The Bible is still the most read book on planet earth. As you read God’s Word, you have the opportunity to listen to what God is saying and then to do what He says. However, you also have the opportunity to keep God’s Word at a distance. You can listen to God’s Word for information purposes only. Your reading and hearing of God’s Word becomes a cognitive exercise that yields minimal fruit in your life. God wants your level of listening to move beyond that of information. The reality is that we know more than we are doing. It is not that we need to know more at this point, but rather obey what we already know. You can literally deceive yourself by listening to the Word of God at the level of information. God’s Word is designed for more than just informing you about facts and trends. God’s Word is to inform you about the nature and character of God. God’s Word is to inform you about His world redemption plan and where you fit into the process. However, you can stay at the level of knowing about God and His plan without allowing the information to directly impact your life. God wants you to go to the next level. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor (This devotional was originally posted in ’07 or ’08. I’m taking a break from writing for a season of personal renewal.) Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell
Category: Success
“But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it–he will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:25 (NIV) How would you define success? The bumper sticker says, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” Is that success? God’s definition of success is summed up in one word: obedience. As you faithfully and consistently put God’s Word into practice, you will be successful in God’s economy. Faithful application of God’s Word will lead to transformation. Your obedience to God’s Word will result in perpetual life change. You will become more and more like Christ. What does that transformation look like in the real world? “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” James 1:26 (NIV) “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 (NIV) Both your conversation and conduct will be transformed by the consistent application of God’s Word. The way you speak will be radically transformed. The way you view others and the way you treat others will be radically transformed. God’s Word will be alive and active in you. Your relationship with God and your relationship with people will take on a new dimension proportionate to your obedience to God’s Word. Look within and detect areas of your life that need be come under the authority of God’s Word. Yield to the call of God to consistently apply His Word in daily living. Allow all of your relationships to be transformed by the application of God’s Word. Let God change you on the inside. Let Christ in you become evident to the watching world. Remember, you are still in the process of becoming who you are in Christ. Be patient. God is enabling you to workout what He has worked in. Look into the mirror of His Word each day and give Jesus the reigns to your life. Your transformation has eternal implications. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor