James 1:23-24 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
We must put into practice the things that we read in the Bible or hear preached and taught from the Bible. James pinpoints the problem so clearly in these verses: we are quick to forget what we heard. Most people (and even pastors!) cannot remember what the last Sunday sermon was about. Some of this may be the fault of the pastor who may make the message too abstract or propositional. People will remember stories better than propositions. However, even if people remember the Bible, it takes effort (faith and obedience) to put the words of the Bible into practice. The illustration James uses here is easy to understand. In ancient times, mirrors were made from polished metal, such as brass. People look at mirrors to look at themselves, to make sure their hair is nice or their face is shaved. It is a funny thing when people spend a long time in front of a mirror. What would the modern world be like without mirrors? People spend so much time making themselves look beautiful or handsome. Why spend so much time in front of a mirror? Because we have short memories. We have to make sure that what we have done to ourselves is truly what we want. Some ladies even carry pocket mirrors to make sure they have not forgotten something. The point is clear: based on what we see or hear from the Bible, we must put into practice and not forget. How can we do this? By hiding God’s word in our hearts (Psalm 119:11), memorizing, encoding into our thinking, and then find practical ways to live out the Bible. This is a step by step, little by little process. Even if we find one simple idea to live out each day, these ideas will add together and begin to make a big difference in our lives.
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