by Rob Globke
James 1:22-25
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 who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
There are a ton of great sounds in the game of hockey. I mean, a ton. Just think about all the great sounds and the emotions these sounds bring to the heart. The creaking crunch of a tight turn on fresh ice. The ting of hitting the pipe square. The rattle of the glass after a big hit. The click and clack of tape to tape passing. The roar of the crowd after a big goal. These are just some of the sounds that make hockey a great game to watch….and listen to.
Yet, amid all these glorious sounds, there is one that stands out above the rest. One that reserves a special place in my heart and mind. It was the sound of coach calling my line or name for the next shift. Don’t get me wrong, I loved watching the game from the bench, but I think we can all attest….there is nothing like jumping off the bench and into the action. No matter how much we may enjoy watching this great game, being able to play it is even greater. So, whether coach gave the classic 51-11-24 to let us know who was up next, or just said, “Soupy’s line, you’re up,” I loved hearing that sound. The words that meant I got to play!!
In thinking about this, I am reminded of James 1:22-25. These verses are God’s way of telling us to get off the bench. We can spend a lot of time practicing by reading God’s word and praying. We can spend a lot of time watching others live out their faith. We can spend a lot of time reflecting on our own personal faith. But, at some point, we have to get out there and play. We are called to be doers, not just hearers or even watchers.
In other words, God is calling us to remember the old adage, “Don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk.” Your faith must go beyond reading, listening, and watching. Those things are great, but they must produce in our lives Christlike ACTION.
My challenge to you in light of James 1:22-25:
Get off the bench!
Do the things God has called you to do. Get out there and play. Live as the light of Christ in a dark world. Don’t wait. He has called your number. Get out there and make some plays!
