Auditors not wanted ∙∙

Auditors not wanted ∙∙

Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. – James 1:22

James 1:23-25

23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror.
24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.
25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard . . ..

“The Great Pretender” is a popular song recorded by The Platters in 1955. It was repopularized in 1987 by Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen. Mercury explained that the song was particularly fitting for how he saw his career and being on stage. In 2004, Rolling Stone voted it the 360th greatest song of all time.

Oh yes, I’m the great pretender, pretending that I’m doing well
My need is such I pretend too much.
I’m lonely but no one can tell. Oh yes, I’m the great pretender.
Adrift in a world of my own, I play the game but to my real shame.
You’ve left me to dream all alone, too real is this feeling of make believe.
Too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal.
Ooh, Ooh yes, I’m the great pretender.
I seem to be what I’m not (you see).
I’m wearing my heart like a crown, pretending that you’re still around.

It is all too easy to fall into the role of a pretender, a pitfall that many of the children of the King unwittingly stumble into. We often convince ourselves that merely showing up, participating in rituals, and displaying outward signs of faith is what the Father desires. We are only fooling ourselves. Yet, as James wisely admonishes, this is merely a facade, a religious illusion steeped in self-deception. The most unsettling aspect is our blindness to this pretense; many of us continue on this path, unaware that we are living out a charade rather than embodying true faith.

They are only pretenders.

REFLECT & PRAY

“We do serious damage to our spiritual life when we expose ourselves to the Bible but do nothing with what we read” (Richison).

Father, encourage me to live out the message of the truth of Your Word and embody it in my daily life.

INSIGHT

We are encouraged not to be just listeners of the Word but doers.

James 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

Hearing the Scriptures without action is akin to auditing a college course, passively absorbing information without engagement. Auditors listen but do not take notes. They do not study, and they take no appropriate action, leading to little retention. They are involved but are not committed. The course of “life” that is grounded in the Word of God cannot simply be observed from afar. It cannot be audited. It demands more than just awareness or understanding; it calls for action. The transformative power of God is unlocked and realized through active obedience and application of His truths.

The Greek term for “doers of the Word” is poietai logou, which implies more than just passive listening. In classical Greek, it referred to creative people like writers and poets, but in James, it signifies obeying the law. The Old Testament speaks to this in Deuteronomy, emphasizing the importance of actively doing the law.

Deuteronomy 28:58 [Be] careful to do all the words of this law.

James challenges us to practice what we believe, to live by the Word, not just hear it. James urges the people to put the word into practice, obey the message (Gspd), live by the word (Knox), or act on the message (REB). This practice is not just about understanding but improving through action. A “doer of the word” practices what they believe. It couldn’t be simpler. Children of the King are not to be auditors and only take information in. Instead, we are to live out what we take in. As we “do the Word,” we grow more adept, continually refining our ability to live it out.

But there is more. While “doing the word,” we get better at it; we keep improving.

The command to live by God’s Word should not intimidate us; instead, it should encourage us. James acknowledges that we might not grasp everything at the beginning. In fact, being fallen creatures in a fallen world, we will never get it entirely right. The key is to start implementing the Word and persist in doing so, embracing the gradual, transformative journey it offers.

Temporary setbacks are an inevitable part of achieving long-term success. The key is our perseverance and growth, learning from each experience and harnessing the transformative power of faithful obedience.

Determining to do the Word of God is not for the faint of heart. Achieving this is far from simple; it mirrors the challenge of driving innovation in engineering. A fitting analogy is the work of Walt Disney Imagineers, a fusion of imagination and engineering. The term “Imagineer” is a combination of the words “imagination” and “engineer.” For decades, Imagineering enabled Walt Disney to transform his imagination’s dreams, fantasies and wishes into concrete reality.

Imagineering synthesizes the approaches of three different types of individuals: the dreamer, the realist, and the critic. Disney employs very talented people from various fields and walks of life to dream. They conceive new ideas and invent new technologies to accomplish them. This eclectic group of Imagineers starts with an idea. They begin the process of trying to implement the concept. They are expected to fail. It is assumed that they aren’t trying hard enough to succeed if they do not fail 30% of the time.

Are you merely pretending, fooling yourself? You can choose right now to embody the teachings of God’s Word. Don’t be discouraged by obstacles. They are to be expected as part of the journey.

Psalms 37:24 Though they stumble, they will never be hurled headlong, for the LORD holds them by the hand.

Just as parents understand that toddlers begin to learn to walk around 12 months, they create a safe environment where the toddler can learn the new skill of walking. Any sharp objects or tripping hazards are removed. Parents set the stage and provide support and encouragement along the way. The process is both thrilling and nerve-wracking.

Remember, “Failure is not falling down but refusing to get up” (Chinese proverb).

The Father wants us to thrive in our faith journey, walk of faith. He ensures that every child of the King is supported. The Father does not guarantee that the children of the King will not stumble or fall. Instead, He promises that when it happens, He has their back. He can prevent our stumbles (Jude 24), and when we falter, He stands ready to lift us, offering solace and strength. His loving embrace is our comfort, guiding us through life’s challenges with the promise of restoration. We are never alone, even in our weakest moments.

Why does the Father do this? What motivates Him? It all comes down to His profound love for every child of the King. “The Father delights in His children and wants them to learn to walk” (Wiersbe).

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