Embracing the Call to Be Doers of the Word
In his epistle, James challenges believers with a profound call to action—being doers of the Word, not merely listeners. This call underscores a critical aspect of Christian maturity: our relationship with the Bible. As James outlines, mature believers must actively engage with Scripture, impacting their relationship with God and their conduct in the world.
James 1:19-27 provides us with three imperative commands: to hear the Word, to receive the Word, and to obey the Word. Each of these steps involves more than passive receipt; they require active, intentional participation.
Hearing the Word necessitates a posture of readiness and eagerness. Just as the young Samuel responded with “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears,” we too must approach God’s Word with a heart prepared to listen and learn. This readiness to hear is complemented by the call to be slow to speak and slow to anger, fostering an environment where God’s voice can truly resonate in our lives.
Receiving the Word goes beyond mere acknowledgment. It involves welcoming and internalising the truth of Scripture so that it transforms us. This process is beautifully illustrated by the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who received the Word eagerly and examined the Scriptures daily. Such a reception prepares the soil of our hearts to be fertile ground for spiritual growth and fruitfulness.
Finally, obeying the Word is the natural outcome of hearing and receiving. It is about putting into practice what we have learned, demonstrating our faith in action. James reminds us that without this step, our engagement with the Word is incomplete, merely self-deceptive.
As followers of Christ, we are urged not to overlook these commands. Instead, we are to embrace them fully, allowing God’s Word to take root in our lives, transforming us from the inside out. This active engagement with Scripture is essential not only for personal growth but also for reflecting God’s love and truth to the world around us. Let us strive, then, to be not only hearers but doers of the Word.
The story is told that John Bunyan, the author of the spiritual allegory, Pilgrim’s Progress, which he wrote from Bedford Prison, had written in the fly leaf of his Bible, “This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book.”
Questions for reflection:
- Self-Reflection on Hearing: When you read or listen to the Bible, are you actively engaging with the text as God’s direct communication to you? How can you improve your listening habits to ensure that you are truly ‘swift to hear’?
- Receptivity to the Word: How open and receptive are you to the teachings of the Bible? Are there parts of Scripture you resist or find challenging to accept? What might be causing this resistance, and how can you address it?
- Application of the Word: Can you think of a recent instance where you successfully applied the Bible’s teaching in your life? What was the outcome? Conversely, can you identify a moment where failing to apply biblical wisdom led to complications or regrets?