I was lying in my bed when I heard someone climbing through the window. Within seconds I saw him entering the room. In the moonlight shining through the window, I glimpsed his AK47.

My heart was hammering in my chest. I could see him softly opening one wardrobe door after the other. I could see him losing interest when not finding any valuables. He was looking for a safe.

He turned around and rushed towards our bed.

I had the alarm remote control in my hand. If I pressed the button, the security guard who was just around the corner would reach us within seconds. But I didn’t.

I first wanted to see which side of the bed he would reach first. As he towered over Renata, my finger moved towards the button …

No, this story isn’t true, but if it was, you would probably have called me a stupid fool! You are crazy! The moment I heard the intruder I should’ve pushed the button so that the security guard could protect us.

That would definitely have been the right way to do it. Make a noise as soon as possible, get reinforcements to protect your life. It’s very irresponsible to just lie and wait to see what would happen.

Many people treat God’s Word just as irresponsibly. Many people go to church. Many people read the Bible. Many people even call themselves Christians, in other words followers of Christ, but you don’t see anything of that in their everyday lives.

James also told a story about such a fool: ²⁴Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.

If you hear the words of God; if you go to church and listen; if people around you explain exactly how it works in life and you don’t do it, you are rather stupid.

If you look in the mirror and see that your hair is in a mess and you go to work and everybody laughs at your messy hair, you are stupid. If you lie in bed with an alarm button in your hand and the thief comes in and you don’t press the button, you’re also in the stupid category.

How more clearly can one explain it? Listen to the Word of God and go and do it. If you don’t do it, you’re stupid. Sorry for being so direct …

Scripture
James1:22-27

Reflection
Do you hear God’s words?
Do you listen to God’s words?
Do you do God’s words?

Prayer
Our Father, although I hear Your words and I listen to Your words, I must confess that I don’t always do it. I don’t know why my feet want to go in another direction. Please help me to do Your will. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.