Are You Doing What You Hear?

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” James 1:22

Yesterday, we took a look at Jesus’ parable about the importance of building your house on a good foundation. He said, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on a solid rock” (Matthew 7:24).

In the Greek, the phrase “listens to my teaching” is in the present tense. It means “I hear it & I continue to hear it.” This is the case for both characters mentioned. Each man consistently heard the word of God, but it’s important for you to catch the crucial difference between the two.

The difference lies not in their auditory engagement of what they heard but their practical application of it. By choosing to implement what he hears, one character is able to craft a life marked by stability. The other character disregards what he hears and has a disappointing outcome when calamity occurs.

The symbolism is simple: the house represents your life and the foundation signifies the values and principles you choose to live by. Good principles—rooted in obedience to what God has spoken—create a firm foundation. This is what James is getting at when he encourages his readers to not only listen to God’s word but to actually do what it says.

Are you putting what you have heard from God into practice? Maybe you’re confused about what God is saying. If so, I would encourage you with this: don’t overcomplicate things and don’t beat yourself up. Start with the things you know God’s said in His word.

He’ll honor your obedience and you’ll be on your way to building a strong foundation.