Not Bystander
James 1:22-24 (ESV) 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
I read a study once about church volunteer statistics. It stated that 10-20 percent of church members do all the volunteering to support the other 80-90 percent of church members. Understanding these statistics, consider James 1:22. Too much of the church enjoys coming to church service just to hear the music and hear the message. But limited in doing anything for the Body of Christ. This is a great example of just being a hearer and not a doer.
Subsequently, if a person is only a hearer when surrounded by other believers, what are they like when they are outside the church? Do they pursue Yahweh’s purpose? Are they being a light that shines before others? Do they compromise their faith? Would people be surprised that they were followers of Christ? Being a hearer only deceives the person and does not activate their faith or their relationship with Yahweh. Imagine your relationship, with your spouse, your children, your boss, your co-workers, etc., if you were just a hearer. You did nothing for them; you did not communicate; you did not participate; you did not do your part. Those relationships would fail. And the same goes with the Kingdom.
So, as you start your day, consider your own life. Are you a hearer, or are you a hearer and doer? Do you communicate your faith? Are you an active participant in the relationship with Yahweh and His Kingdom? Are you willing to make a stand and not compromise? Remember, He created us to be doers, not bystanders.