James 1:22-25

“22. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23. 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:

24. For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25. 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. ”

It is easy for a person teach the word of God. It is another thing to live or walk in the word you teach. But to be effective for the cause of Christ, we must live the word we teach. This causes our witness to be effective. People not only hear the words you speak, but they also see your life. The life that they see should be the word in action (2 Corinthians 3:2). Most often, the life we live speaks louder than the words we say.

We must be careful not to fall into the trap of “do as I say, not as I do” syndrome.

Romans 8:19, tells us that the world is waiting in expectation for the children of God to take their place and be effective. We need to work under an anointing that breaks and destroys the yoke of bondage the people are toiling under. Our purpose is to point, rather, usher the people to God. For his yoke is easy and his burden is light (Matthew 11:30).

For this reason we must be a doer of the word, and not just a hearer (or not just a teacher). We cannot afford to deceive ourselves. Faith, without works is dead. We are going to be tried, we are going to face temptation, and we are going to go through troubling situations. But we must come out victorious (for God always causes us to triumph, 2 Corinthians 2:14). This requires a level a maturity in Christ. It requires us to study the word, find the right ammunition (scripture) with which to fight the enemy. Then boldly and skillfully use the sword of the spirit (the word of God), against the enemy, in faith.

It is time for the people of God to go forth and conquer.

I don’t know what you are facing, but if you are in a battle, it is only because God knows you can come through it victoriously.

Do not fall back into your old behaviors. Its time for you to do things differently. Its time to do things God’s way. You can make the change, just trust God, and not your own strength or power. Keep you mind and eyes focused on him, and stay the course. Victory is in front of you, not behind.

Go Forth and Conquer!!