The Forgetful Hearer?

by Bob West

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer 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 the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." -- James 1:22-25

Hearing the word of God is vitally important. We are all blessed to live in a time of relative affluence which enables us to provide for ourselves comfortable transportation, on smooth roadways, to come sit in comfortable pews, and listen to the gospel aided by a sound system adjusted to a comfortable level and see hi-tech visual aids which enhances the presentations. We can even get high-quality video or audio reproductions of the lessons hear them again and review them at our leisure. We have no shortage of opportunities to hear the word.

But no amount of hearing will substitute for doing. We have not provided the above-mentioned conveniences just for our comfort or even just for our hearing the Word. The sermons, lessons and opportunities for hearing are provided to make us better people and consequently glorify our Lord. But this can only be done if we put into practice the suggestions and exhortations involved in all of the lessons. Let us all determine not to be "forgetful hearers," but doers of the work which so badly needs to be done.

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