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 (NIV)
When we go to God’s Word we must approach it as such – God’s Word. It is the very Word of God and it has been graciously given to us for our spiritual growth in Him as well as our Guide to all of life. It teaches us how to live – how to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord Jesus – living out our lives for an audience of One. Everything we need to know on this side of Heaven is discovered in this priceless Treasure. Scripture is alive and living and active - sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates to dividing soul and spirit, joint and marrow. And it judges the thoughts and the attitudes of our heart. There is nothing on earth like it. Nothing. It is more precious than gold – than much pure gold and in keeping its precepts there is great reward. Paul tells his beloved Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV): “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” And, believe me, we want to be thoroughly equipped.
When we look into the mirror of God’s Word it involves an obligation. We are to look intently into the perfect Law that gives freedom, James tells us. This is not simply a careless brief glance rather a sustained and intent look with a readied response – and this is the key to our continued spiritual growth, strength and maturity. We never fully “get there” until we are home with the Lord but we are all to be progressing and in a state of continued maturity. God desires for His children to “grow up” in Him and the key to our maturity is found in the Scriptures – the very Word of God. The wording used for “looks intently into” literally means “to stoop down in order to have a good close look”.
The “Law that gives freedom” seems much like a paradox. It would appear that “Law” would imply restriction and/or restraint and therefore would be a lack of freedom. But this is not so with God’s Word. Indeed, His perfect Law provides us true freedom. It is in knowing His Truth that we discover true freedom. Jesus told us in John 8:31-32 (NIV): To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
One who does what God decrees will discover full liberty and be blessed in what he does. Believers are to be anchored in the Truth. Doers of God’s Word and not merely hearers. Further, when anchored in the Truth of God’s Word having ears to hear, hearts to receive and wills to obey, we take hold of the life that is truly life. It changes the heart, the way and the will of man.
Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalms 119:165 (NIV)