Being a Doer of the Word

by Ruth Croft 30 October 2022

How many times have you told someone, “Actions speak louder than words”? Probably too many times to count. You have probably also heard “Don’t just be a hearer of the Word, but a doer also,” ?

James 3:13 gives guidance on how we can become  'doers', “Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts” (MSG)

I was always told that integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is looking. What I’ve learned is that there is always someone looking. People are always watching us as believers. How can we expect anyone else to accept our faith, if the way we live our lives is in opposition to what we say? It might seem to be stating the obvious, but our lives should reflect what we say we believe.

That’s not to say that we have to live perfectly because that’s impossible, but we do have to live honestly. The way we live, is as important as the way we talk. So as well as listening and studying, let’s be doers of the Word and live a life that demonstrates the faith we profess.

Today's hymn is also a prayer that we can use to offer every part of ourselves and our time to being ‘hearers and doers’. I have chosen this beautifully reflective version of  “Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee” not only because I particularly like it, but also because I find that by using the words as a prayer, I am usually so immersed in it that I never notice the music has stopped! As you listen to it, I pray that might be your experience too. Amen.