Thoughts

• In order to learn God’s will, we need to study God’s word and pray. But even after we know what God’s will is, doing it can be difficult. James realized this truth when he encouraged his reader to not only hear but also do the word. He also realized that many people who learn God’s word and then do not obey deceive themselves, thinking they are doing fine when in reality they are far from what God wants them to be. I wonder if he had in mind some of the same Pharisees that Jesus knew, who had great knowledge but terrible application.
• Jesus addressed that same concept in the sermon on the mount. In Matthew 7:24-27 Jesus described two kinds of people. One kind builds his house on the sand with disastrous results. The other builds his house on the rock with lasting success. Both men hear the word of God, but only the wise man does it. Only the wise man applies scripture to his own life and situation.
• During 50 Days of Purpose, we do need to pray and learn God’s word if we want to accomplish God’s purpose for us as individuals and as a church, but we also need to make sure we are putting into practice what we learn. Our specific action items might differ, but all of us need to take action when we learn God’s will. And when we sin, the good news is that if we confess our sins, God forgives us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).