TREM Devotional 18 June 2026 – Practice What You Are Being Taught

Biblical Context

The book of James is often called the ‘Proverbs of the New Testament’ because it’s packed with practical wisdom for Christian living. The author, James, was likely James the brother of Jesus, a prominent leader in the early church in Jerusalem. He addresses ‘the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad’ (James 1:1), a phrase likely referring to Jewish Christians dispersed outside of Palestine following various persecutions. This letter was probably one of the earliest New Testament writings, possibly penned around AD 45-50.

James’s letter aims to correct spiritual hypocrisy and superficial faith. While Paul’s writings focus on justification by faith in Christ, James speaks to the evidence of that faith. He isn’t contradicting Paul; he’s complementing him. James stresses that genuine faith isn’t just an intellectual assent or a private belief; it’s a dynamic, living force that shows itself through active obedience and good works. It’s not about earning salvation, but about demonstrating that you truly have it. This letter calls believers to maturity, pushing them past mere hearing into the active practice of God’s truth.

Key Word Study

Let’s look closely at the word ‘deceiving’ in James 1:22. The Greek word here is paralogizomai (παραλογίζομαι). It means ‘to misreckon, to miscalculate, to reason falsely, to delude, or to deceive by false reasoning.’ It carries the idea of beguiling someone through clever arguments, but in this verse, the crucial point is that you’re doing this to your own self.

This isn’t about fooling others or even God; you’re tricking yourself. You might hear the Word, nod along, feel good about the message, and convince yourself that because you’ve heard it, you’re somehow spiritually growing or fulfilling your duty. But if you don’t actually put it into practice, James says you’re simply deluding yourself about your true spiritual state. It’s a serious warning that our spiritual health needs more than just information; it needs active participation.

The Challenge: More Than Just Hearing

The book of James really pushes us to practical Christianity. It’s not just about what you believe in your head, but how you live it out every single day. This book guides you on how to practically live a life of faith. We trick ourselves, James says, when we fail to put what we’re hearing into practice. Think about it: every service day, we gather in church, we sing praises, we dance, we listen to a good sermon, and we fellowship with one another. These are all good things, aren’t they?

But there’s no point in our gathering if we fail to put into practice all that we come to receive. Now, don’t misunderstand me, it’s good to sing and dance, hear the good Word, and fellowship together. We need those times of refreshing and connection. But if that is where it all ends, then we’ve missed out on the true purpose of the church and our faith. God wants us to be changed, not just entertained or informed.

Shining Your Light Through Action

When you take what you’ve learned from the pulpit and actually do it, you’re not just serving God, you’re also impacting the world around you. Matthew 5:16 says: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (NKJV). When you put into practice what you’re being taught from the pulpit, then you’re shining your light. Your actions become a powerful testimony, a visible proof of God’s work in your life.

It’s not a hidden fact that many places, including African nations, are known for their deep religious belief. But the question remains: What is the net effect on society? How is being a Christian affecting your community? How are you impacting the next person? This isn’t about showing off; it’s about the tangible difference your faith makes.

The Impact Problem: Knowing vs. Doing

Remember that we’re the light of the world, and we’re the salt of the earth. These aren’t just pretty titles; they carry a huge responsibility. So, why isn’t society feeling our impact as much as it should? Why aren’t we seeing more of God’s Kingdom on earth through our lives? It’s because a lot of us aren’t acting on what we’re hearing. Yes, we hear good sermons and teaching, and we even take notes. We can fill notebooks with spiritual truths. But more often than not, once we leave the service, that is the end of it. The notes stay in the book, and the lessons stay in our heads.

This disconnect is a real issue. Matthew 5:13-16 reminds us of our identity and purpose: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (NKJV). If we’re not ‘salty’ or ‘shining’ through our actions, what good are we?

A Call to Action

Beloved, it’s time for us to arise and take our place. Today, information can be accessed at the press of a button. We can find sermons, teachings, and biblical studies on demand. So, what we’re faced with isn’t a problem of lack of information but an action problem. We live in a world that knows too much and does too little. People glory in the fact that they know, but very few apply the knowledge they have. This is exactly what James warns us against. James 1:19-25 says: “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 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 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.” (NKJV). Don’t be that person who sees yourself in the mirror of the Word and then walks away, forgetting what you saw. Instead, look into God’s Word, keep doing what it says, and you’ll find true blessing.