“²³ For if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: ²⁴ For he beholds himself, and goes his way, and straightway forgets what manner of man he was.” James 1:23-24

A person beholding their natural face, which is exactly what the modern church preaches by the way, sees only that which is on the outside.  This person’s gospel revolves around self as they go their way and quickly forget what manner of person they are. The lies told on Sunday regarding their external circumstances quickly reveal themselves as a lie on Monday.  Irregardless of how religious the ceremony may be, there is no change on the inside, despite the vain professions.

“But whoso looks into the perfect Law of Liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:25

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).  The ear is the organ of response, not our mind.  Filtering the Word of God through our carnal mind instead of responding with a heart of belief causes confusion and results in a forgetful hearer.  Our mind forgets but our heart will respond when we deny our self and lean not unto our own understanding and simply believe.  Faith is not faith if it must be proven before believing.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified changes the heart of man.  Whether they believe and are Saved or whether they reject and are hardened, the Word of God will have It’s intended effect.

A heart of belief, one who continues looking into the perfect Law of Liberty (Jesus Christ and Him crucified), becomes a doer of the work wrought in his or her heart.  This work is the work of the Holy Spirit; it is born of the Spirit and not of the flesh and will produce fruit unto God.

There is no inward change when the external is examined by self instead of an internal examination by God’s Word.  The ministry of the Holy Spirit is usurped by self will and God’s Will is neglected because of outward examinations, silly questionnaires and civic promotions of the religious institutions.

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1

Beware of being entangled by works that are not born of the Spirit, empowered by the Spirit, led by the Spirit and anointed by the Spirit.  There are many religious works to be found but if they are not born of the Spirit of God in the heart of a Believer, they are snares for a yoke of bondage.

Prayerfully consider.

-Donna Clark Warren