Sermons

James also tells us in this Epistle what it means to be a doer of God's Word: "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God is this: To visit orphans and widows in their affliction." To visit in the biblical sense means more than a friendly social call, but to bring every blessing.

But James says, "Be doers of the word, and not only hearers" (1:22). God calls us to a high calling. He calls us to rise above the ordinary. Why should he expect so much of us? First of all, God expects so much of us because of who we are. We are his children, created in his image.

The Wall Street Journal tells us that American parents spend less than fifteen minutes a week in serious discussion with their children. The boy said, "Dad and I had words this morning, but I didn't get to use mine." Why do we need someone who will listen? Lots of reasons.

We all need the affirmation of the listening ear. Love your neighbor, says the old book. Well, perhaps the greatest gift of love is the gift of an ear — for by it we enable one another to break through confusion of mind, loneliness of heart, and we grant one another worth and feeling of importance.

What prompted me to think about adages was this verse of scripture from the Letter of James that says, "But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves." Though it's not quite the same, that reminded me of the adage that goes: "Say what you'll do, then do what you say."