I’ve known people who have read “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” They can talk about the habits extensively because they know them so well. However, they never implemented any of them into their life and nothing changed for them. I’ve known others who have read “How To Win Friends And Influence People” that were similar. They can tell me about the interpersonal skills it provides, yet not receive any of the benefits because they don’t put them into practice. Both of these books have the ability to help them if they would do more than read them.
In Matthew 7 Jesus is teaching about the same thing, but many different ways. He tells them of the narrow gate to Heaven and the broad gate to Hell. He then teaches about judging a tree by its fruit. If it doesn’t produce fruit, it’s chopped down. Then He taught about the people who will show up to Heaven saying they knew Him, but He did not know them. Finally, He tells the story of two builders. In verse 24 He says, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock” (NLT). Those who listen without obeying are foolish builders.
James 1:22 puts it this way, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” God didn’t give us His Word to just listen to. We must implant it in our heart, allow it to bring correction and to change who we are. That only comes by being a doer of the Word. If we are going to be wise builders of our lives, we must build them on the Rock of Jesus and obey what He taught. Both He and James drew a line between those who read it and those who live it. Be a person who obeys the Word of God. It is quick, powerful and able to equip you for every good work. You must put it into practice and allow it to do its work in your life.
Photo by Refael sinaga on Unsplash
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 