More than a Game

James 1:22-25 - But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. (NLT)

You don’t have to look too far to see that there is a crisis of leadership in the global church. I used to think that it was an attack from the enemy. But the more I reflect on it and my own actions, I am coming to believe, it is simply because many of us who are teachers of the Word are not necessarily doers of the Word.

Social media can be both a blessing for the Church and a curse. It has enabled the expansion and proliferation of the teaching of the Bible like no other media since the creation of the printing press. But at the same time, it has allowed people to teach the Scriptures who are not actively trying to practice them, fully submit to their authority and repent when mistakes are made.

In many quarters, this had led to distrust in the Church by both believers and unbelievers. The Church is viewed by many as hypocritical, all because it is evident to many that our actions do not line up with the teachings of the Bible and/or the words coming out of our mouths.

James’ warning to us in today’s passage is a reminder that we aren’t playing a game. Christianity isn’t an act. It isn’t about just reciting words from the pages of the Bible, motivating crowds with our charismatic preaching, or gaining large followings on our social media platforms. Instead, it is about using those words to live a life that reflects the image and glory of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is by knowing those words AND doing what they say that we can truly call ourselves Christians. Our behaviour is supposed to reflect that we have been with Him. It is not supposed to turn people away from him. It is only then that we can truly call ourselves his disciples.

John 8:31–32 - Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NLT)

Questions for reflection: Does my life reflect the words I am reading, reciting, or learning? Am I truly repentant when I disobey the Word of God? Have I asked the Holy Spirit to help me live a life worthy of his calling?

We pray this devotional has stirred your heart and deepened your desire to connect with Scripture more often and more meaningfully.

That’s why we created Draw Your Sword—a Bible Trivia & Verse Memorisation app designed to make engaging with God’s Word fun, challenging, and spiritually enriching.

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