“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
- James 1:22 ESV
I may just be an old dog, but I’ve learned a thing or two about listening.
For instance, I know the sound of the treat jar opening from three rooms away. I can hear my human whisper, “Want to go for a ride?” even if the television’s blaring. And when I hear, “Sit,” “Stay,” or “Come,” I know exactly what’s expected of me.
Now, whether I actually do it… well, that’s another story.
Sometimes my ears work just fine, but my feet seem to have a mind of their own. Especially if there’s a squirrel involved.
The other morning, my human was reading from James. He said, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” I lifted my head from the rug and thought, “That sounds familiar.”
You see, hearing without doing isn’t much help.
If I hear, “Come,” and keep chasing rabbits, I’m headed for trouble.
If I hear, “Stay,” and bolt through the open gate, things can get messy.
And if my human says, “Buddy, don’t beg at the table,” but I plant myself beside his chair with my best pitiful eyes, I’ve heard the command without obeying it.
James says God’s Word is like a mirror. We look into it and see who we really are. But if we walk away unchanged, it’s like forgetting the face we just saw (James 1:23-25).
That’s not just a people problem.
Dogs can hear commands all day long, but the well-trained ones put them into practice.
Believers can attend church, underline verses, post Scriptures on social media, and nod along with sermons. But God’s desire isn’t simply informed minds—it’s transformed lives.
Jesus put it this way: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Obedience isn’t earning God’s love; it’s responding to it.
I’ve noticed my human isn’t perfect at this. Sometimes he knows the right thing to do but struggles to do it. Truth be told, I’d have to admit I’ve ignored a few commands myself.
Thankfully, God’s grace meets us there.
The Spirit nudges us, teaches us, and strengthens us to take what we’ve heard and put paws… I mean, feet… to our faith.
So today, don’t just admire God’s Word. Don’t simply hear it.
Forgive that person.
Offer encouragement.
Show kindness.
Speak truth.
Serve someone.
Trust God in the hard places.
After all, the world doesn’t need more experts in hearing sermons. It needs followers of Jesus willing to live them out.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I just heard my human say, “Come.”
This old dog has some practicing to do.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your Word that teaches and guides us. Help us not to be hearers only, but doers who faithfully walk in obedience to You. By Your Spirit, shape our lives so others see Jesus in us. Amen.
Keep the Faith… Carpe Diem
