DAY 25: "Being Doers of the Word" by Valerie Campbell

DAY TWENTY-FIVE: "Being Doers of the Word" by Valerie Campbell

But be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be hearers of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of this work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:22-27 (KJV)

We discussed this passage of Scripture at Wednesday night’s prayer meeting. Kevin asked all of us 3 questions pertaining to this passage:

*Where do you see yourself in terms of being a hearer AND a doer of the Word?

*Who at The Church at Trace Crossing do you think of as a doer of the Word?

*What do you think stirs God’s heart about orphans and widows?

These questions caused me to evaluate myself in a deep way. It’s absolutely crazy to think that I could look at myself in a mirror and forget what I looked like as I walk away! How often do I hear the Word and know what is expected of me but then keep silent and take no action at the very next opportunity placed before me? Being afraid or uncomfortable is no excuse for inaction. How often do I justify this behavior due to these emotions? I think about Malachi 1:13 which says, “You say, ‘It’s too hard to serve the LORD,’and you turn up your noses at my commands,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

While I don’t like to think that I turn up my nose to the LORD’s commands, is that not what I’m doing when I don’t trust Him in ALL circumstances? I’ve realized that I don’t want to be real with myself in terms of going the extra mile for the Lord because it’s just too hard. It costs too much. Look at the situations I’d be in and the time I would have to put in if I chose to do what the Word says. I just can’t do it! And yet, this is exactly the moment that I must put feet to my faith if I really want to follow Jesus. I’ve let myself get complacent in my walk with Him. I’ve told myself that I’ve already given up a lot since being saved. Isn’t that enough?

I’m so thankful that Jesus wasn’t like me while He was on the earth. What if He would’ve said, “It’s just too hard to do what You’ve asked of me God. It costs too much! I’m scared and uncomfortable so I’m just going to quit. I’ve already done a lot for these people. Isn’t that enough?” Thankfully, Jesus knew that it wasn’t enough. We know He was scared and uncomfortable because He prayed three times for the cup to be taken from Him, however, His love for us kept Him on task in the ministry His Father had given Him.

As believers, we have all been given a ministry, but it’s our choice to be a hearer AND a doer of that work. My husband and I have only been living in this area for about two months now and Trace Crossing was the very first church we visited. We planned on visiting several others before we settled into a new church home but within the first few minutes of walking through the doors, we both felt that we were already home. Kevin asked us on Wednesday night to think of who at Trace Crossing was a doer of the Word. I couldn’t think of anyone who wasn’t demonstrating this quality!

I remember our first visit to Trace Crossing. So many came and introduced themselves to us with big smiles on their faces and open arms. We felt so welcome and loved by people we had never laid eyes on until that moment. It was incredible. The longer we attend, the more we see and hear of the great works being done by this congregation. Everyone is so passionate about meeting others needs (even to the point of donating an organ to save another member’s life). Wow!

I think the thing that stirs God’s heart about orphans and widows is that they are helpless and hopeless without someone to come along and meet their needs. We are all eternally helpless and hopeless except that Jesus loved us enough to do His Father’s will, no matter what He had to do, no matter how much it cost Him. The people at The Church at Trace Crossing have this kind of love for one another. They serve not out of obligation, but from a passion within to show God’s love to all who walk through the doors. They have challenged me to begin a new journey in my walk with the Lord, and for that I am so grateful.

My prayer for Trace Crossing:
Father, I thank you for bringing Michael and I to this body of believers. You have used them to stir my heart to be a better doer of Your Word and to be about Your business. I’m so thankful that You have allowed me to be a part of this wonderful faith family! I pray that You would help us all to be doers of Your Word without counting the cost. Help us to have a never-ending passion to serve people in Your name to bring You glory.