Listening To God Is Not Enough | James 1:22

Did you know most people forget about 90% of what they hear within just a week?

Now consider this—according to the American Bible Society, only 16% of U.S. adults read the Bible most days of the week. Let’s assume they spend a generous 10 minutes a day in Scripture. That adds up to just over an hour a week! But if 90% of what you take in fades quickly, how much of God's Word is truly shaping your life? Maybe it’s time to rethink how we engage with Scripture. This is what James is concerned about today.

If you are new here, we are excited to have you. Get your James Scripture Journal now so you can take notes as we study this letter together. Our text today is James 1:22:

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. — James 1:22

James doesn’t beat around the bush. His advice is simple: don’t just listen to God’s Word—live it. He understands something we often forget: information without action is deception.

Here’s the stark difference James points out. One group of believers goes to church, listens to teaching, feels conviction, and gathers information about God. But they stop there. They don’t act on what they’ve heard. The other group does the same—except they put what they learn into action. And that’s where transformation begins.

Hearing the Word changes nothing until you start doing the Word.

So, what do you need to start doing today?

Here’s my suggestion. I am here every single day—literally every day! And every day, I give you an action to take. I don’t do this to encourage effort-based salvation but because I believe in the power of small, consistent steps of obedience done every single day. Why? Because small spiritual actions done daily and immediately leave a more profound and lasting mark on your life than a flood of information that you never act on. It’s daily obedient actions in combination with God's Word and Spirit promptings that sanctify change. James boldly confronts us all, declaring believers who hear but don’t act live in self-deception.

Remember: A faith that listens but doesn’t live is no faith at all.

#LiveTheWord, #FaithInAction, #DailyObedience

Ask This:
How much of God’s Word are you actively applying in your daily life?
What small spiritual action can you take today?
Are you living out the truth you’ve been hearing?
How can you move from listening to doing this week?
Do This:

Listen to the word and act quickly.

Pray This:

Lord, help me not only to hear Your Word but to live it boldly every day. Show me small ways to act obediently and transform my heart through daily faithfulness. Amen.

Play This:

I'm Listening.