Like glancing at your face in a mirror ...

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But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. -James 1:22-25 NLT

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The bible is not a book meant only for theologians. It is not a book only understandable by deep thinkers. It is not an ancient book that is all about revealing the mystical secrets of life. It is a book that is meant to show us how to live. In it we read about people who made big mistakes. We also read about how many of those people found forgiveness and power to live a life of faith. The bible is one of the most practical books when we, in faith, simply do what it says.

Interesting how James speaks of doing God's word. I wonder if, as he writes, he remembers how Jesus confronted the Pharisees because they did not obey the scriptures. Perhaps James is warning his friends, and us, to not become religious hypocrites who deeply know the scriptures but do not do what it says? Perhaps he recalls how those religious folks studied and prayed so hard but did not love their neighbors? We also do well when we remember the Pharisees.

Help us Lord to daily examine ourselves in the mirror of your word and the One who reflected your glory on earth.

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