James 1:23-24 – Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. (NIV)

For many years, I have taken a prescription drug for a minor health problem. As long as I follow the instructions on the label, reading and doing what it says, the medication keeps me active and healthy.

Likewise as Christians, in regards to a healthy and active life of righteousness, James makes it very clear that it does us no good to simply listen to God's Word and not apply it to our lives. Just as my prescription drug would do me no good if I read the label but did not do what it said, Scripture cannot do its job in our lives if we fail to ingest it.

James 1:25 – But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it — he will be blessed in what he does. (NIV)

So today, as each of us is taking this moment to read or listen to the Word, let us also be prepared to do what it says. After all, it is the Great Physician Himself who has written the prescription for the well-being of all mankind — past, present, and future — that none should perish but have eternal life.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the wonderful words of life found in Scripture, which are able to bring about eternal wellness for all those who take the time to read, listen, and apply them to their hearts by faith. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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