Of all the sayings that you take away from JH Ranch and JH Outback, this may be the most memorable of all. Hearing, seeing and doing are all integral parts of the experiences we have in our JH adventures. Where else would we go but the book of James for a scripture reference to capture the spiritual meaning of this phrase?
James 1:22-25 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.
“Hearer” – I heard and I forgot: Hearing God’s Word is vitally important. We need to hear the Word of God taught to us by those devoted to understand and teach it properly. Hearing is a key part of our weekly worship, and we need a steady diet of this solid food to grow spiritually. However, hearing alone won’t transform our lives the way God intends. We might forget. This passage in James teaches that we “deceive ourselves” if we think otherwise.
“Seer” – I saw and I remembered: Seeing the love of Christ displayed by others is powerful. We are profoundly impacted when we see others extend forgiveness, mercy and generosity. Likely, we have even been blessed to be a beneficiary of these Christ-like acts. They inspire us to go and do the same. Seeing is memorable.
“Doer” – I did and I understood: This is the life God is calling us to – the life of a doer. Once we hear His truths andsee His goodness, we will apply His Word in our own life. The “doing” is the evidence of the truths we have heard and seen. Doing sinks roots in our hearts to change us into the image of Christ. Jesus is a doer of God’s Word and we are called to imitate Him.
As followers of Christ, we each have a unique calling. God has equipped us with spiritual gifts to love and serve others in His Kingdom. As the hands and feet of Christ, our job is to find our gifts and learn how to use them for God’s glory. The “doing” is the true richness of life.
Hearing is educational – Seeing is inspirational – Doing is transformational
What can you do today to display your love for God and others of what we have heard and seen?
