Are you actually doing the Word?

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves. James 1:22

Which ‘Word’? In the Greek James uses the word λόγος / logos / log’-os translated into English as something said (including the thought) (by implication) a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive (by extension) a computation (specially, with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ). (Biblehub)

Here we can understand that James is talking about the fullness of Christ shown in ALL of scripture! So how does one “do” everything in the scriptures … correctly? This in our humanness can easily move into ‘striving’, and zealousness for formula and rituals. The Pharisees in Jesus time on earth had perfected this ‘religious’ fever and striving. What is missing in that effort? The Holy Spirit’s understanding, confirmation, wisdom, love, and power to actually carry out what HE wants you to do. Rather… we usually automatically attempt it in our own power and understanding. We go through our daily routine and rituals – thinking we are doing ‘good’. Our efforts can easily fall short of the ‘mark’ Jesus has for us. Why? We aren’t engaging with Him – we are doing all of it in our own power and understanding.

What is important? Is it just the ‘act’ or would it be the obedience to His ‘direct’ instructions given to you via the Holy Spirit which comes through intimate ongoing relationship and conversation (prayer)? So …our ‘routine’ should be about ‘engaging’ with Him and listening for Him … and asking Him what He wants us to do. This isn’t supposed to be a religious formula – but an actual heartfelt conversation with Him. How? This can only happen through the Holy Spirit. So… when He does ‘talk’ to you about doing something … DO IT! Do it all the while asking Him to give you the right words to say, and how He wants you to do the certain thing He is asking you to do. Also ask Him ‘when’ He wants you to do it. His timing is important. In my humanness, I often ‘run’ ahead blindly rather than ‘wait’ for Him, after hearing the first instruction instead of waiting to see if there is more, He wants to say to me. Like a young child I run to ‘do’ the thing without having the wisdom to listen to ALL of what He wanted to talk to me about. I’m learning still.

Don’t deceive yourself. Actually… listen to Him and DO what He wants you to do. This will take practice and many attempts – before we will ‘get it just right’. But we need to be willing to ‘step out’ and not be paralyzed by our fear. He understands EXACTLY where we are and ALL of our weaknesses – so we just need to DO IT knowing He actually loves us and IS with us. How much do you trust Him? Do you Trust the Holy Spirit within you? For most of us – it isn’t our trust in Him it is our ‘trust’ in ourselves that we ‘heard’ Him correctly! We haven’t learned how totally discern His voice clearly within us. Don’t beat yourself up over mistakes, He understands, so just repent, get up, and move forward. So… don’t stay in the ‘pity’ party you are throwing for yourself. Keep trying. Keep talking to Him. Keep putting your focus on listening to His voice.

Father … we want to know YOU! Jesus … thank YOU for speaking to us! Holy Spirit … we need YOUR wisdom, counsel, power, and teaching! Help us to actually DO what YOU are asking us to do.