Do not
merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who
listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at
his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and
immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently
into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting
what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25
Many
love to go to church and hear what the word of God says then exit the building
and curse someone in the parking lot.
Listening to God is the first step and very important, but our obedience
is only complete when we put what we heard to use.
James
says a “listening-only” stance when it comes to God is not enough. In fact he calls it deceptive because the
person thinks he’s doing something spiritual.
A true follower of Christ listens, then “looks intently” at the word of
God, then does it. That’s where the
blessing occurs.