January 30th, 2020

James 1:22
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. 

I have been wrestling with this verse over the past several days, after having a specific conversation.  I take this verse very seriously, it has been a big part of constant conversation between my husband and I over the past 7 years.  I believe that the commands Jesus gave to his disciples are just as relevant of a command directly to me today.  

Jesus said: " Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,[a] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

"Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!"  (Matthew 10:8)

"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other." (John 13:34)

If I then implement the verse from James, what does that mean exactly?  

It was pointed out to me this week that I am a "doer," and not everyone falls into that category.  It really got me thinking.  Thinking about what the Bible tells us to do.  What do we put into practice?  What do we dismiss because we might feel unworthy, or uncomfortable, or uninterested?  Then once looking at the answer to that question, is it Biblical?

I believe that the disciples were not able to raise their hands and say, "Uh, so, Jesus, I really don't want to go pray for that person over there, they haven't bathed in months, and I really just don't feel comfortable."  "I am not really in the mood to deal with demons today, do you think you could let me sit this one out?"  "I don't really feel like sitting with them and listening to all they have going on right now, I have been away from my family and friends for along time and no one is asking about my issues."  "I will just sit here in the back if that's okay with you, keep my options open."

The thing is, we are supposed to look different.  We are supposed to sound different.  We are supposed to show up and be DOERS.  We are supposed to have kingdom eyesight, kingdom hearing.  We should be looking for people to bless with Jesus, not waiting for someone to bless us.  We should be focused on the LORD, one eye, fully and solely engaged on the King.  

We are called to be DOERS, not just HEARERS.  We are called to GO, we are called to live a life that others notice and want.  If we talk the talk but find ways around walking the walk, then we are deceiving ourselves.  Jesus commanded us, and we should respond.  Jesus didn't call the qualified, he qualified the called.  Throughout the history of the Bible, people were qualified as their faith grew and their actions followed.  Jesus is walking into every room, every circumstance with you, as he lives IN you, so you are fulfilling these commands with his help, and often I have found that without him, I could not have done the tasks set before me.

We need to become DOERS of the Word.  We need to become people living out the gospel.  Our lives should draw people in, living out of relationship with him.  

The question today is:  Are you a doer?  If not, what is one thing you can do today, one thing you can do tomorrow, ect to become a doer?