James 1:19–21 (ESV)
Hearing and Doing the Word (Part 1)
19 Know
this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore
put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
In the Lutheran Church, our
banner is that we are saved by grace. Sometimes we let this have a negative impact on us to the point we avoid good works for fear of giving a wrong impression. Faith and works do go hand in hand, but we must realize that we are not saved by works,
but by faith. Works are proof of our faith… a by-product. Lutherans are quick to claim Ephesians 2:8-9 and often forget verse 10. The Word of God brings changes to us… a new life. We are a new creation… and we are shaped by God’s will. James brings this point out about hearing and doing.
I pray: O Lord, help me to not just
talk the talk, but to walk the walk as well. Help me to live according to your will. Amen.