Originally published Tuesday, 21 June 2016.
http://www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
If you could change something about yourself, what would it be? Think about at least 1-3 things that you might consider changing for the better if you could. As a matter of fact, when you get a free minute, pull out a sheet of paper and pen or even pull out your phone and write a quick note to yourself and do this little assignment. After you’re done with it, take a moment to reflect on it, pray about it, and start working on those changes.
Guess what? It’s the same way with your Christian life. If you see that there are some things that you need to change spiritually, write those things down and allow God to help overcome, grow, or gain victory in those areas. That’s actually part of the reason why we go to church each week, besides going to grow, be encouraged, and serve others.
After accepting Christ, it’s about discipleship, spiritual growth, and training to do God’s will in your life. God is still in the business of saving souls and He wants to use you to do it. But it will take continual maturity and transformation through His word on your part to get the job done, effectively!
With that being said, let’s look at James 1:22 for a moment (this one is actually one of my life Scriptures). It states, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” Let’s bring it to real life. So when you’re listening to the message at church, Bible Study, a women’s conference or through the audio Bible on your phone, or however you do it, God wants you to be careful to obey what you’ve just heard. This works for us all. ;-)
The word tells us that Scripture is not only inspired by God, but that it also helps us to live the Christian life and do what we’re called to do. Second Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
There you have it! The word of God is balanced. And we should be as well. I know the word pricks like a knife sometimes, because it’s sharp. But it’s for our good in the end.
Simply stated, the word helps us to get rid of those things that shouldn’t be in our lives. It also helps us to know God better. Furthermore, it encourages us and fully equips us to accomplish each new task or assignment that God gives us. Quite frankly, it helps us to be the women that Jesus has called us to be for our families, friends, sisters and brothers in Christ, co-workers and co-laborers, as well as those who haven’t yet come to know Christ…but are watching our personal walk with Christ from a distance. That’s why it’s so important for us to do what it says and not just be hearers only. It’s in the application process where not only change happens, but godly influence as well.
Now, let’s take hold to what James 1:23-25 boldly states, “For if you listen to God’s 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.”
There are so many blessings when we obey God’s word. But take a quick moment to reflect on what this passage of Scripture is saying. Let’s just take a quick look at it in the natural sense, first. If you look at yourself in a mirror and see that your hair is out of place, wouldn’t you try to fix it with a comb or brush before walking away? I would! Well, it’s the same way, spiritually.
If you see something is out of place in your life, you need to fix it with God’s word. Or if you see that God is instructing you through His word to do something, then the next step is to step out in faith and trust that no matter what, He's got you. When you look into the perfect law, it allows what you’ve heard or read to change you, and then guess what? It will make you free! It will refresh you and rejuvenate you when it’s all said and done.
There is nothing like being liberated through God’s word. And it brings much joy with it! His word just makes us better. It cleanses us, refreshes us, instructs us, corrects us, chastises us, leads us, comforts us, strengthens us, and helps us. When we allow it to do what it’s supposed to do and don’t forget what we’ve heard by doing what it says, the Bible reassures us that God will bless us for doing it. And I believe that we’ll be able to see how He blesses us in His own special way. I’ve seen it countless times! Just reflect back in your own life personally and see how He’s blessed you through your obedience to His word.
So the next time you go to church, attend a Bible Study, listen to your audio Bible, or whatever you do to listen to or read God’s word, be sure to pray and ask the Lord to help you be a doer of the word and not a hearer only. This is surely NOT the time to be fooling or deceiving ourselves as James mentioned earlier. Keep looking into the law of liberty and allow it to set you free…by obeying it! ;-)
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
*How has God blessed you through your obedience to His word? Reflect back personally and let me know by leaving a comment.
Also, my NEW book is scheduled to release August 1st!!!! It’s entitled, “IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose!” I’m pumped and I want you to GRAB it! PRE-BUY it today @ www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org/identified! And share, share, share (tell other women too!). Thanks sis!
*If Inside Out with Courtnaye is helping you, share it with other women you know. Invite your friends and family by sharing, tweeting, and hitting the “LIKE” button on my Facebook page! If you have any questions or need advice about something, feel free to email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com or leave a comment to let me know how this post has helped you in some way. Thanks in advance and just know that Inside Out with Courtnaye is all about helping women grow stronger in their walk with Christ from the inside out (from the heart). Jesus is coming soon! Love you sis!
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