Tag: James 1:22-25
Day 2–Blessed to hear and apply!
Scripture reading for February 10: James 1:22-25 “But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”
We as responders must be continually listening and applying what we already know with the new information we are receiving as we respond to each incident. We listen to the incident 911 dispatcher’s instructions and directions. We act by following the directions to the incident scene after procuring the needed equipment and tools. On the scene, we report new information that may help others respond with needed skills or other equipment. If there is a person in distress, we ask questions to determine how to best help that person in the most timely manner.
As faith responders who are learning to follow Jesus through the leading of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word, listening and hearing are critical to success. We can hear but not listen, resulting in our knowing information but failing to act on that information. God’s Word says we deceive ourselves when we do not apply the instructions or corrections God gives us. If we lack wisdom on applying God’s Word, James tells us we must ask God in faith for help and He will generously give what we need. (James 1:5-6) But if we ask for wisdom and receive it, we should act on it not just hear the words. That is unbelief and not faith. Procrastination and fear of failure often hinder us from acting.
As we are with Jesus through the Holy Spirit indwelling us, we can have wisdom and new insight as needed. The perfect law of love for God and love for others will motivate us to always seek loving responses to meet the needs we face.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the perfect law of love expressed to us in the death of Jesus Christ and Your Gift of the Holy Spirit. We have liberty to love others and trust You for the wisdom and direction needed through Your Word and Holy Spirit. Amen.