“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17)
As he stood up to speak at his friend’s funeral, he enthusiastically said these words: “Jim always showed up.” He went on to explain that his buddy predictably followed up on things he had heard about. If he went to a service club meeting and they had a community event scheduled that upcoming Saturday, Jim would be there rain or shine. If he became aware that a neighbor was having a difficult time completing a project, he would stop by to offer assistance. When leaders of his church would ask for volunteers, he’d always lend a hand. In those troublesome times when a friend or family member was hurting and needed to feel someone’s presence, Jim would always be on hand even if he didn’t quite know what to say. He always showed up, and those who had been the benefactors of his presence knew just how much he would be missed. For you see – Jim was a ‘doer.’
The story is told of a pastor who was holding a Bible Study at his church. He was teaching about the principles and promises of the scripture. As part of his instruction, he was talking with the participants about how to affirm these lessons by personally applying them in their daily lives. He felt like the group had been listening intently, so as the end of the hour was nearing – he decided to review. He asked the question, “Now what do we do with these commands we have been discussing?” The attendees were quiet as one older lady lifted her voice and stated, “Well I highlighted them all in yellow.” Not quite the application the pastor had in mind. James put it this way: “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves” (James 1:22). Some translations imply that if hearing the word is all we do, we are leading a life of deception and our religion will lack worth and significance. James goes on to say, “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” (James 1:23-24).
Only those who look at the Word and submit to it will be blessed. Those who take only a passing glance and lack concern for how they act are not embracing the opportunity to change and serve. By using a parable, Jesus illustrates that God’s blessing comes from obeying the truth in addition to knowing it. “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash” (Matthew 7:24-27). Being a carpenter, Jesus understood the difference between a well-constructed house and an inferior one. His parable demonstrates the understanding that building a house without a stable foundation is no different than making a life without lasting substance.
As a result, we must choose how we are going to live out our days. Will we identify the principles of a Christian life by filling our Bible with yellow highlights? Or will we take action, be a doer, and live out God’s Word in how we act and do onto others? Regardless of the storms we face, we will show our trust in Him when we decide to build on a strong foundation. As in the words penned by the hymn lyricist, we will then be able to recite that old familiar refrain – “On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand” (Edward Mote). So, make a conscious effort to become a doer. Don’t be a “do as I say” parent; set an example your child will want to emulate. Count your many blessings, as you reach out to others who are less fortunate. When you say you will pray for someone, be intentional about doing so. Treat others as you would want to be treated. Speak with kindness, and show forgiveness. Proverbs 24:3 reminds us: “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.” For if you truly are a doer, they will uphold the strength of your foundation.
REFLECTION: If you were asked to describe your spiritual foundation, would you be more apt to use the words “solid rock” or “sinking sand”? Can you recall a time when you personalized and followed God’s command and, in turn, received a blessing? How can you begin to apply something God already told you to do in His Word that you haven’t yet implemented?
A NEW LOOKUP DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., MAY 27, 2017. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.