It’s important to know what’s right. But it’s also important to do what’s right.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it–he will be blessed in what he does.
James 1:22-25 (ESV)
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.
James 4:17 (ESV)
Sometimes I struggle with this. I know what to do but, because I’m selfish I don’t do what’s right. Or because I’m afraid. But, in any event, I still have room to grow. How about you?
Bless God that there’s still hope!
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:6-10 (ESV)
Lord, in your mercy continue to work in the lives of your saints – including me – to bring your kingdom to earth. Grant that we might move in righteousness, peace, joy, and hope. That our lives might be marked by your mercy.
