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Hearing and doing

I'm amazed at how easy it becomes to nod our heads at all the right places after serving God for a while. We are quick to agree when someone speaks to us about God's Word (given that it is sound doctrine of course), without asking ourselves if it is merely theory to us. The fact of the matter is that most of us believe what the Bible teaches with all our hearts.

How is it then that we so easily fall into the trap of knowing but not applying? Hearing but not doing? How do we keep ourselves from thinking we know it all but hold on to a zeal for God's Word that leads to obedience?

It is relatively easy to read the 'thou shalt not' passages, to apply it and to tap ourselves on the shoulder thinking we did well! Of course we are doing well if we abstain from all the things we know is bad for us - sinful behaviors, unhealthy attitudes, etc. - but I do think there is more to living a life of abundance and victory!

There are many passages where Jesus Himself tells us what we ought to do:
Deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow me (Matt 16:24) 
Be faithful in the little things (Luke 16:10-12) 
Serve one another (Mark 10:43) 
Love one another (John 13:34)
Have faith in God (Mark 11:22)

Obeying God isn't merely when we don't do certain things anymore, it extends to doing those things God expect from us.

The importance of obeying God in every area of our lives can’t be overstated. Let me share a familiar passage of scripture with you, that will drive this point home, far better than I can.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matt 7:24-27

Maybe it is time to ask ourselves whether we are living up to the standard of God's Word and if we're actually doing what He says. It is not enough to be mere hearers of the Word, to have all the theory; faith and actions should work together to impact and change our lives and the lives of others on a daily basis. I leave you with the encouragement that if we build on the rock, no storm will ever be to great for us. We will stand. Praise be to God!


Bless you
Lizemari

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