It’s easier to preach than to practice;
It’s easier to say than to do.
Most sermons are heard by the many,
But taken to heart by the few.
-Author unknown
When James wrote to the Jewish Christians, he told them “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.” (James 1:22-24;NLT). Many times we attend church, possibility weekly and yet we forget the topic of the message. I can say that I am guilty of that. Can anyone else raise their hand too?
Listening to the Word of God is great, but if we do not purpose to do what it says what is the point? We should be intentional when we hear God’s Word and listen purposefully to obey. I always find it helpful to take notes and prayerfully ask the Lord how the message be applied to my life that I may grow in my walk with Him. A lot of times we know a lot of “Bible knowledge,” but it is not evidence in our daily walk with the Lord. So challenge yourself to seek the Lord to reveal to you each Sunday you attend church for a way to apply what the minister taught from the scriptures.
God has so graciously given us His Word and the freedom to attend a church of our choosing without restraint. Let’s purpose to remember and apply what we learned in church this week to our faith walk.
That’s a good one and so true. This past Sunday the message was on point. Literally just yesterday when I was speaking to a coworker and we were speaking about sermons at church, I couldn’t even recall what the message was about and I felt some kind of way. Thanks for the post it’s good to know I’m not alone in that area. We can all do be and I know for certain I will start doing better.