DON’T BE A FOOL 4
MATHEW 7:24-29
Here, we have another definition of a fool. According to the Lord, a fool is someone who “heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not”. Very serious. It is one thing to hear or read the word of the Lord; it is another to do them. If you hear the word consistently, it does not make you wise until you begin to put the word you hear into practice. Hearing or reading alone does not justify you as a wise person. According to James:
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. James 1: 22-25
As believers, we must not stop at hearing the word only. It is true that faith comes by hearing and hearing. Yes. But if you hear and don’t do, that faith is foolishness. This same James urges us to add works to make our faith worth the while. If you memorise the entire scripture and yet fail to do what it says, nothing will work. So the extent of memorizing and reading is nothing. If you know the scripture and do not do it, it is foolishness. Read this also from James: “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” James 4:17. In other words, it is foolishness to know the scriptures (the source of all good deeds) and not do it. Whatever you do willingly and (or do not do) that will lead you to sin is foolishness.
Beloved, let us learn to do the word of God. The word is rich and potent. It’s principles are divine; its instructions are infallible; its warnings are pragmatic; Its directions are sure. It is therefore foolishness not to do the word. It has the capacity to lift you beyond your present level; it can take you to greater heights, the performance of the word is equal to good success. The word can come via the Bible, the Holy Spirit (that still small voice) and from the pulpit (or authentic servant of God). When it does, keep to it. That is wisdom. Not doing them is folly. Do not be a fool. Do the word. It will profit you.
MEDITATION: Isaiah 55: 10-11
