“22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”
James 1:22-25 ESV.
Ever heard the idea that Christians are hypocrites?
Some are, but not all.
Like anyone, we can certainly struggle to follow what we preach. It reminds me of New Year’s resolutions. Many people like to make promises for the year ahead. It might be New Year, New Me! It might be to increase your exercise habits to be healthier. It might be to read a book every month!
According to Forbes, 55% of New Year’s resolutions don’t last the full year. While that number is significant, it’s important to realise that many do. Just because we sometimes fail doesn’t mean we shouldn’t give it our best shot.
I think that’s what James is pointing towards today. Even though we might fail to apply some of Jesus’ teachings to our lives, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t give our best effort.
When we fail to even try, it displays the condition of a lukewarm heart. These people have heard the Gospel – they know what they should strive for! But they’re not doing it. The heart has lost its fire. Similarly, they’re not turned against God either – what we call a cold heart. So these people are lukewarm.
“15 I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”
Revelation 3:15-16 ESV.
As you go about your week ahead, consider the following questions:
- What is the condition of my heart?
- If my heart is cold, am I open to the possibility of God revealing Himself to me?
- If my heart is hot, what might God be leading me to do this week?
- If my heart is lukewarm, am I willing to follow the steps of Jesus? Am I willing to lay my life down and surrender wholly to Him? What will that look like for you?
Praise God for this reminder to not provide lip service only. God seeks all that we have including our actions. Are we going to step out of our metaphoric boat and walk on the water with Jesus?
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