Doers - Not Hearers Only

James 1:26–27
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I contend that we are educated as Christians way beyond our level of obedience. John Maxwell said, “What would happen if, after I finished a Sunday morning sermon and gave an application, we didn’t have church again until people did something about it? (Some people I wouldn’t see until the next Easter!) Do we take God’s word and really apply it? No matter how spiritual we may think we are, we all could control our speech more effectively. In these two verses three tests are given as to how well a person is applying the Word of God in his life:

1. Controlling the tongue (v. 26a). A person may be very involved in religious activity but careless in his speech. James says this person’s activity is useless if he does not bridle his tongue. To bridle the tongue is to discipline it, curb it, keep it under control. The tongue is like an unruly horse that needs a bit and bridle to control it.
2. Compassion for the needy (v. 27b). The externals of religious worship are not acceptable to God unless accompanied by loving service. Christians are to take a personal interest in and express loving concern for orphans and widows. We are to help supply their material needs, comfort them in their sorrows and give any other assistance they may require.
3. Consecrated lifestyle (v.27c). One of the qualities of a truly religious man is that he will keep himself unspotted (uncontaminated) by the world. This no doubt refers to moral purity.

Application

Did I pass these three tests as it pertains to applying the written and spoken Word of God in my life?  I need to"Set a  watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).