Last Sunday, Amy kicked off our Church At Home series looking at Storms, exploring some powerful truths we learn from Jesus’ parable about the wise and foolish builders taken from Matthew 7:24-29.
It reminded me of the words from Jesus’ half-brother, James, in James 1:22-25…
“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. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.”
One of the ways we grow an unshakeable faith – our theme for 2023 – is to make sure we’re actually listening to what Jesus is saying, and putting it into practice.
Why do we look in the mirror?
For most of us, it’s not because we’re battling with vanity! It’s usually the opposite. We do it to check we look ok. Have we got any broccoli stuck between our teeth, or a dirty mark on our face, or to see if our hair needs combing?
How weird to spot something that needs adjusting, but then not act on it?
That’s what the parallel that James is drawing here as we discover Jesus’ best life in the scriptures. The Bible is like a mirror.
- It shows us the wonder of what God thinks of us – that we’re created, known and loved by Him. We are the beloved. Don’t walk away from the Bible without allowing that truth to sink in!
- It shows us what needs adjusting in our lives. For example, where we might need to dig out some unforgiveness, or wipe away some jealousy, or comb out the mess of comparison.
When we say YES to God, and do life His way – we’re reminded of who we are, and how we’re called to live. A blessed life of freedom – even when we hit the tough storms in life – because we’re living our lives on the unshakeable power of God’s presence and promises.
Disciples do what Jesus says! That’s it! Because they know that Jesus ALWAYS has their best interests at heart.
So what is God saying to you right now? What is He asking you to do?
May God give you courage and commitment to go for it.
