Forgot
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” - James 1:22-25 NIV
As a parent, this passage in James reminds me of children. Those of you who are parents (especially parents of teenagers) will likely understand.
Sometimes, parents can instruct a child on what needs to be done, by when. And may even throw in the “why” for needing to do something by a certain time. The child or children hear the message. That becomes clear when they acknowledge that they heard you and will get it done.Yet, from time to time (if not more often), the incomplete task is followed with an “I forgot”.
The message was heard... then forgotten.
The same happens in the midst of coaching basketball. The coach can practice the plays over and over again in practice. He or she can draw it out and walk them through it. Yet, at game time. In the heat of the battle. “Game Amnesia” kicks in and the players forget what they had practiced. Forget what to do. Forget where to go.
And we, as Believers, tend to do much the same. We are hearers of the Word but not necessarily doers. We look at ourselves in the mirror. Walk away and forget what we looked like. We hear the message. We may even read the Word. Yet, time and time again, we turn and walk away. Walking out the door. Forgetting what we heard.
James reminds us to not only be hearers of the word, but to do what it says. Then he goes on to remind us to keep doing what it says, not forgetting what we’ve heard. Obey just don’t listen. Then God will bless what you are doing. Keeping our eyes focused on Him and what He has called us to be and do.
Don’t forget. Hear and Do.
Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem
