Daily Verse: James 1:23-24

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
 

It’s absolutely ridiculous to think that we could look at our face in the mirror and then move away from the mirror and completely forget what we look like. Silly, ridiculous nonsense. But I think it appropriately captures the message that James is trying to communicate. In verse 22, James says “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” By following verse 22 with the “face forgetting” comparison in verses 23-24, James is explaining how ridiculous it is for us to read God’s word and not put it into play in our lives. It is far too easy to wear the “Jesus follower” hat when it is aligns with our plans, then toss it aside when things get a bit uncomfortable or inconvenient. The world is full of an unmanageably enormous amount of problems, struggles, pains, and battles. We aren’t expected to solve the world’s problems…that’s impossible and it’s not our intended purpose. But if we can improve one single life by mirroring the love, compassion, and kindness that we have received from Christ, then there is reason for great rejoicing! There are numerous examples in the New Testament where Jesus takes the time to touch one single life…the woman at the well, the crippled man, the sick child, the thief on the cross. And the incredible thing about the healing, rescue, and relief that Jesus brings is that he does it without “validating” their story…he doesn’t scold them for their part in making their lives a mess…he doesn’t require them to clean things up then return when everything is peachy. No, he heals, loves, rescues, and restores right there where they stand, at that very moment! I am confident that we are to mirror the ways of the Savior…reaching those in need and not allowing our “list of excuses” to construct a wall between us and someone in need. There is great joy in serving the Lord…great joy in mirroring the Savior! May we seek to not only listen to the Word, but also allow it to take life through each of us. To God be the glory!