Talking and Walking

By Jim Baize, Retired Pastor of Ocean View Church, San Diego, CA

Read James 1:22-25.

We have all heard the adage, “Do we walk the walk, or do we just talk the talk.” In other words, do our actions reflect what we say we believe? James says it this way, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22) To know what the Word says to do, but not to do it, results in self-deception. We think we are right with the Lord because we have heard the Word of God, but we have failed if we have not lived it out in our daily walk. These phrases are two sides of the same coin.

To know what the Word says to do, but not to do it, results in self-deception.

The next two verses say, “For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.” This, almost literally, happened to me at a recent preacher’s meeting. I was asked to moderate one of the evening services. The host asked for a bio and picture, introducing me as the moderator the first night. I sent them to him. When my picture was shown on the screen, there were a couple of preacher friends who began laughing – out loud. I had chosen a picture that I thought was reasonably current. I thought it looked like, well, me! In reality, I had “forgotten” I had aged since that photo was taken. I have also lost some hair, and what hair remains is not nearly as dark as it was in the picture! We may think we are right with God because we know what the Bible says to do. But if we don’t put those words into action, we are only fooling ourselves.

On the other hand, James continues, “… 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.” 

The choice is “hearing and doing” or “hearing and forgetting.” Which will it be for you today?

The choice is “hearing and doing” or “hearing and forgetting.” Which will it be for you today?

Reflective Questions:

1. Do you hear the Word of God routinely? This is not only about listening to preaching but also about daily reading of the Scriptures. That is how God speaks to us.
2. After hearing the Word, do you put it into practice in your day-to-day walk? Or do you “see the truth” and promptly forget it?
3. Will you make a commitment to not only talk the talk but walk the walk? Who can you ask to help hold you accountable for this commitment? 

Memory Verse:

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22

Prayer:

Dear God, help me to be consistent in my walk with You. Help me to not only hear the truth but also to practice the truth. I don’t want to be a hypocrite. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You every single day. 

Related Scriptures:

Romans 2:13; Luke 6:46-48; John 13:17; James 4:17; I John 2:3; Matthew 7:26-27; Luke 11:28; II Corinthians 3:17-18