Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Bridging the Gap: From Knowing to Doing God’s Will
We often find ourselves longing to know God’s will for our lives. But how frequently do we pause to think about our role in actually doing His will? The distinction between knowing and doing is crucial—knowing alone does not equate to doing. There lies a bridge between knowledge and action, and that bridge is obedience.

Understanding God’s Will
God’s will isn’t a hidden treasure; it is readily available to us within the pages of Scripture. However, we often settle for merely acquiring knowledge without allowing that knowledge to transform us. In our quest for spiritual growth, we might feel satisfied with the encouragement we receive from sermons and Bible studies, yet we may neglect the vital step of obedience.

Consider this analogy: You invest time and money into hiring a personal trainer to lose weight and build muscle. This trainer works with you weekly, but effective change requires more than just that hour. Similarly, if you meet with a nutritionist who crafts a meal plan that aligns with your goals—one that may even include your favorite foods—but you ignore the plan and continue indulging in unhealthy habits, you won’t see the results you desire.

This scenario mirrors our spiritual development. We may attend church, learn from Scripture, and share in fellowship, yet if we do not actively follow God’s plan for our lives—His written Word—we risk remaining stagnant.

The Mirror of God’s Word
James 1:22-25 reveals a powerful truth: the Word of God acts like a mirror reflecting our true selves. It exposes our hearts and reveals required changes to align with God’s desires. The parts we hear and understand are only meaningful when paired with actionable steps. Obedience is the key that unlocks transformative change.

In this passage, we see two types of people: those who hear the Word and merely go on with their lives and those who embrace the truth. The latter understand their need for change and are willing to adjust their lives accordingly. Their obedience leads to God’s blessings.

Yes, we are saved by grace alone, a gift we can never earn. However, once we accept this grace, we are called to live a life infused with obedience to God’s will. Our journey involves becoming doers of the Word, not just passive listeners.

Making Changes Together
The heart of this message is simple yet profound: God provides us with a roadmap for our lives, but we must actively follow that path. Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones, confront our shortcomings, and commit to living according to His Word?

Today, I challenge you to reflect on your own life. Is there a gap between what you know about God’s will and what you are actively doing to live it out? Let’s commit to aligning our actions with our understanding and embracing the changes we need to make. It’s time to put our faith into action and step into the blessings that await us.