Are You Fooling Yourself?

Do what God’s teaching says; don’t just listen and do nothing. When you only sit and listen, you are fooling yourselves. - James 1:22 (ERV)

Came across this is my reading today and it really struck a familiar nerve within myself so I'd figure I'd share. I still struggle in this area of my own life and I think we all do from time to time. Are we really hearing God's voice? Am I just making this up? If I am hearing His voice; why am I not obeying it? These questions can plague our minds if, and only if, it our sincerest desire to walk with God and bring glory to HIS name.

I'm reminded of quote from Joyce Meyer on this topic. She says, "We are educated far beyond our level of obedience." When I first heard this it was an eye-opening thing because I knew it was true in my life as well as the eyes of others. We know we are supposed to forgive others, but we don't always do it. We know that gossiping about others is wrong, yet we still do it. Judging, yep we know that one too, yet we still continue "fooling ourselves." There are fundamental Biblical truths that we know we should be doing (or not be doing) yet we still do the opposite of we know is right. Why?

The only understanding of this I can come to is that we are all in the process of sanctification. Meaning, this is a marathon NOT a race. When you said yes to Jesus and honestly gave your life over to Him the marathon began. It's a constant and ongoing thing as long as we are breathing to be changed and conformed into the image of Christ. Meaning, we already have the characteristics of Christ we just need to learn to walk in them.

There is a fine line between outright disobedience and being "in the process" but God knows our hearts and if we are honestly doing the very best we can; His grace is more than sufficient for us. In my own life there have been times of outright disobedience as well as just being "in the process", so I know this is something we all deal with. It all comes down to heart check, what are your motives and what are your intentions? You and God are the only two that know the answer to these types of questions.


Take Care & God Bless,

-E