"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22
A second big theme of the first chapter of James is your approach to the Scriptures.
I think there are three common approaches to the Word.
Some read the Bible for inspiration. When they need a little emotional boost or a spiritual lift they pull the Book from the shelf and read some verses.
The Scritpures certainly ARE inspiritational, just consider the Psalms, for example, but they are far more than that. If you are just reading them for inspiritation you are short-changing yourself.
Some read the Bible for information. There certainly is a ton of great information in the Scriptures. Think about it - there is historical information. Much of what we know about the rise of human culture we know from the Bible. The Bible contains amazing stories about heroes and villans, about wars and conquests and some steamy love stories. If you want to know about the origin and early history of the Church, it is all contained between the covers of this Book. But it offers more than just information.
A few read it for implementation. THAT is what James recommends for you. The Bible is a living Word. For the Bible to be truth and transforming it must be lived out in the lives of believers. Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life must be allowed to flesh out the power of His truth through you.
James admonishes you to "do" the Word not just "hear" it. How about you? What is your approach to His Word?
Are you reading it for inspiration?
Are you reading it for information?
Or are you reading it so you can implement it and allow its power to transform you - and others through you?
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