Being a Doer of the Word

It's funny how none of the images I searched online for the phrase, "Be doers of the word," included verse 21 from James, chapter 1 (which was why I made my own graphic). So, let me include it now, in fact reading verses 21-27 really helps one understand these verses better:

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1:21-27

I obviously did not look at every image or read every sermon, but from what I found, most people interpreted the words, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only," as doing kind things for people as Jesus commands. While I whole-heartedly agree with that sentiment as well, that is not what these verses are about.  However, I will explore that issue as well.

The book of James was written by one of Jesus' half-brothers. If  you jump ahead to the second chapter, you can better find the meaning others are searching for in chapter one.

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. James 2:14-24

Again, other people tend to leave out the holiness message in these verses and focus just on doing good deeds.  And, of course, most modern pastors leave James 2 out of their sermons altogether! But yes, make no mistake, faith without works is dead! And works without righteousness is in the grave right next door! We need both for salvation!  

Back to James 2:15-16.  How often do people who call him/herself a believer do the exact same thing? They see someone in need and say, "I'll pray for you," but simply walk away. Praying for people is a powerful act, but when we have the ability to help and do nothing, then those prayers are hypocritical.  Do not drive past the same beggar on the street every weekend and refuse to offer him your extra coat or buy him a burger for lunch!  Do not see a lonely widow weeping for her husband and refuse to find time in your busy schedule to take her to dinner or simply visit her in her home and chat for a while.  Do not watch a struggling mother try to afford daycare and work and refuse to babysit for free or slip her some money.  There are so many, many ways we can help people!  It does not have to cost you any money.   Homeless shelters need blankets and clothing, donate what you don't use. I am by no means a wealthy person, but I can (and do) still find ways to help to the best of my abilities and resources.  And, there is still so much more I can do.

I think you get the idea, so I'll move on.

Let's go back to James 1, verse 21. James encourages us to "lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word."  Becoming a Christian is much, much more involved that saying a simple sinner's prayer.  We must continually give up our sinful ways and embrace the Word of God and the principles of Jesus Christ.  I so love James' illustration in verses 23 & 24.  When we read the Word of God and maybe even weep over it and feel guilt for our sins, but then walk out the door and start swearing, going to movies, get drunk, look at pornography, etc., we are just as foolish as someone who forgets his/her own reflection. Why bother reading the Word of God or going to church (or better yet, listening to a true holiness preacher on YouTube), if you have no intention of following God's rules?  When James called the Word of God, "the perfect law of liberty" in verse 25, he did not mean (as most of the preachers now falsely teach), that we are at liberty to sin!  When one obeys God's laws one is liberated and free because he is not bound in chains by sinful actions. That is true liberty! When you sin and disregard the ways of the Lord, there is no liberty except in your own rebellious mind. The truth is, your sins are dead weights holding you back. Now don't pretend you don't feel that way when your guilt make you feel shame. The only way to be free is to repent of your sins and then do your best not to repeat them! Make Jesus Lord of your life and do your very best to walk down paths of righteousness! 

I could probably write for another several hours on this topic but I will wrap this up.  Please reread the above verses from James 1 & 2 and let his message sink in.  Yes, it is absolutely our duty to help others in need, so find at least one person or organization you can help this week.  But if you truly consider yourself a Christian, your works must be backed up with a righteous lifestyle.