If we just listen to the word of God and we do not live properly according to it, we fall into spiritual depression(dullness) like the Dead Sea of Israel. Even if water flows from freshest place of the world, the water will rot if it stays at the same place all the time. If we do not live in active obedience according to the Word of God, we commit a sin in the eyes of God if we don not act according to his word(James 4:17). The biggest problem in church today is this: the believers, who listen to the word of God preached every week and are just content with it, have increased in numbers. They have lot of knowledge and common sense of the bible in their minds, but do not practice it into holy lives. Even though their spiritual knowledge grows more and more, but they never practice it in their lives, still they will lose their strength. Therefore, they become unproportionated believers and spectacles of the people outside of church. James refers to these people who deceive themselves(James 1:22). After reflecting in the mirror of God's word, we should correct our mistakes and wrong-doings. However, many people are satisfied with just looking at the mirror. They forget what they see in the mirror. Today, many Christians like to be involved in Bible study, but they do not want to practice it in their lives. The life of a Christian is always in present tense. It is not enough to just look at the mirror. Everyday, we need to meditate God's word deeply and live our life according to it. This way people will be blessed(James 1:25). The one who obeys God's word is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruits in season and whose leaf does not wither, and whatever he does prospers(Ps 1:3). The one who practices God's word is living his life joyous and effective. He is the one who does not deceive himself but enjoys the freedom and blessing of Jesus Christ. "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth"(1 John 3:16-18). |