Bible Reading: Job 25; Jam. 1:19-27
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” – James 1:22 (KJV)
A lot of people know what is good and therefore teach others but do otherwise. The reality, of course, is that people are more likely to follow your actions rather than your talk. If you know what is right and teach it to others but you do the wrong things, you are deceiving yourself and you will reap the consequence.
It is a natural law that whatever you sow, you will reap. It is expected that if you sow a mango seed, you will reap mango fruit over time. Consequently, our today is a function of what we sowed yesterday and our tomorrow is the fruit of our seed today. Galatians 6:7 (KJV): “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
This is why we should watch what we do and ensure it lines up with what we say. If you read the bible daily, go to church during the week and on Sundays and even preach the word to others but do not live a life of righteousness, you would be deceiving yourself and be seen as a hypocrite. And God curses hypocrites as stated in Matthew 23:27 (KJV): “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.”
Also, when you hear the word of God often and you refuse to abide, then you are also under curse as stated in Malachi 1:14 that cursed be the deceiver…
Fortunately, God is a merciful father.He is always ready and willing to take back anyone willing to repent and obey his word. And that’s why he admonishes us in James 1:22 (KJV): “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
Prayer: Father, help me to be a doer of your word and not mere hearer in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero