By: Doug Beyer, Atherton Resident since 2011

Scripture: (James 1:22-23)

Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to his word; instead, put it into practice. If you listen to the word, but do not put it into practice you are like people who look in a mirror and see themselves as they are.

Questions for reflection and application:

  • Are the lessons I’m learning a reflection of my own prejudice or the truth of God’s word?
  • What do I know that I need to put into practice today?

Thought for today:

Take away the mirror, and you take away the objective picture of what you really look like. Mirrors never lie, and I’m glad they never laugh either.  Passive hearers are like models without mirrors. They are easily deceived by a skewed view of themselves. They imagine that by listening to a sermon or Sunday School lesson they are actually doing something religious. They go to church, sit through the service, fold up their halo and go about their business. James warns us that we can fool ourselves into thinking that by associating with Christians we are actually being a Christian. In any situation you may find yourself there is something to be done for the Kingdom. You can pray, encourage others, give, and offer yourself to His will no matter what the day may bring; and perhaps you can do much, much more for those around you.  Love and serve God with all your heart today.