“But he who sets his eyes on the perfect law of freedom and keeps it, and does not forget what he hears, but does what he does, this one will be blessed in whatever he does” (James 1:25).
We make spiritual progress not just by thinking, but by thinking, doing, and then learning from what we have done. Whoever makes a sincere effort to do what God’s Word has taught him to do, that person, says James, “will be blessed in whatever he does.” We reach higher levels not just by meditation, but by movement.
Our conscience is a cautionary force that warns us when we are about to violate our principles. It was given to restrain us. But sometimes we need to be stimulated and our conscience needs to do the same. It should motivate us to act in ways that are consistent with our principles. However, often we fail to take action. We don’t do anything for fear of making a mistake. And as a result, we learn nothing. By failing to do the best we can with our current understanding, we miss the opportunity to grow in that understanding.
Improvement is the result of examining what we have done. The more we do, the more chance we have to improve. But if we wait to do anything until we get it absolutely right, we’ll probably get very little done. Ideal conditions for action rarely arise, and anyone who waits for them is wasting valuable time. “He who looks at the wind will not sow, and he who looks at the clouds will not reap” (Ecclesiastes 11:4). In the real world, we have to move forward and do our best.
There is more than one dimension to spiritual development. On the one hand, it requires that we turn away from evil. But on the other hand, it is necessary that we do well what we know how to do, and then learn to do even better. “Therefore, beloved, since you know this firsthand, take heed to yourselves, lest you fall away from your steadfastness because of the deception of the ungodly, but grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 3:17,18) Maturity comes from actions that are carefully considered beforehand and then carefully evaluated afterward.
“Renewal is the principle – and process – that empowers us to move forward on the upward spiral of growth and change, of continuous improvement…Moving forward along the upward spiral requires us to learn, commit, and act at higher levels” (Stephen R. Covey).
Gary Henry – WordPoints.com AreYouaChristian.com
