Have you heard that line, “If you want to teach a dog or a kid, you’ve got to say it over and over.” I just made that up. But it’s true. Whatever it is you want ’em to learn; if you say it enough, if you demonstrate it enough, it will finally soak in. You create those neural links in their heads and their bodies. You can bet on it. I think God had that same policy in mind when He dictated the Bible to the writers. One subject I’ve noticed lately (over and over) is about HEARING AND DOING. I don’t know how many times my momma said it, but I finally got it, “YOU’VE GOT TO DO WHAT I SAY!” (whether you like it or not; if you want to live long and do good.)
Jesus said it almost that loud and that strong in Matthew 7:24-26, when He said, “If you hear My words and do what I say, I’ll think you’re a wise man . . . but if you hear My words and you don’t do them, you’re a fool. . .” (my paraphrase). And in James 1:22, God says, through James, “Be a DOER of the Word, and not just a hearer; deceiving yourselves.” If we don’t do what Jesus says, we’re fools, and we’re lying to ourselves. In Luke 11:27-28, a woman said, “Blessed is the woman who gave birth to you . . .” and Jesus said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep (guard, defend) it.”
And it’s not just about “don’t do this and don’t do that”. It’s about what you DO as a positive act, an act of your will. It’s like in John 5:24, He says, “If you pay attention (heed, do) what I say, and trust Him who sent Me, you have eternal life.” Trusting in God is not easy; but it’s the only thing that works in this life. You have to DO IT as an act of your will. Over and over, until it starts to feel easy (or at least easier.) That’s the only way you’re ever going to have the peace that passes understanding is when you trust Jesus as an act of your will.
That’s what He’s talking about when He says, “If you follow God’s commands, you will live!” See Luke 10:28.
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