JamesNäide

These verses get to the pure heart of what it should look like to follow Jesus. They also point out the legalistic take on religion that many people get caught up in, and also bogged down by. I’d like to think the author is more eloquently saying, “You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?”

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (v.22)

In bible times, it was common for people to hear a teacher. If you followed the teacher and tried to practice what they said, you were called a disciple. Jesus is looking for disciples - doers, not just hearers. Taking comfort in the fact you have heard God's word when you haven't put it into practice is not producing any good in your life, and you are deceiving yourself in the process.

In verses 26-27, James shares that religion is worthless if it does not translate into the way you live and treat others. A real walk with God shows itself in simple, practical ways: It helps the needy and keeps itself from the world's corruption.

Be encouraged to lean into this passage today and challenge yourself to truly pick up your cross, and be a disciple of Jesus. He wants the best life for us, a life that will produce fruit which requires not just hearing what He says, but also doing what He says.

Prayer points:

• Pray & ask God to reveal any areas of your life hindering your growth in Him by simply hearing and not doing.
• Pray & ask God for the courage and boldness to live out the pure walk with Jesus noted in verse 27.