Knowing What’s Right Doesn’t Mean Much Unless You Are Doing What’s Right

James 1:22 (NKJV)“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

We live in a time when knowledge is abundant. People know what is right through teachings, sermons, and even the Word of God. However, knowledge alone is not enough. Faith without action is dead, and understanding righteousness without practicing it leads to spiritual stagnation. Today, let us explore how the Bible urges us not only to know what is right but to act on it.

1. The Call to Obedience in the Old Testament

Deuteronomy 30:15-16 (NKJV)“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess.”

• God gave clear instructions to the Israelites, setting before them a choice between life and death. Simply knowing the commandments wasn’t enough—they had to walk in His ways and keep His commandments to receive His blessings.

• The story of King Saul (1 Samuel 15) demonstrates the failure to act on God's instructions. Saul knew God’s command to utterly destroy the Amalekites, but he disobeyed, keeping the best livestock and sparing King Agag. This disobedience cost him the kingdom.

• Are we like Saul, holding back part of our obedience while claiming to know God's will? Knowing right without action can lead to spiritual loss.

  
  

2. The Life of Christ: The Perfect Example of Doing Right

John 13:15 (NKJV)“For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”

• Jesus didn’t just teach about love and service; He lived it. At the Last Supper, He washed His disciples' feet—a task reserved for the lowest servant. This act wasn’t merely symbolic; it was a call to serve others as He did.

• Consider the parable of the two sons (Matthew 21:28-31). One son said he would obey but didn’t, while the other initially refused but later acted. Jesus affirmed that actions are what truly matter, not intentions or mere words.

• Like Christ, we are called to be doers, not just speakers or thinkers. In our daily lives, are we reflecting His example by serving, loving, and living in righteousness?

  
  

3. Faith and Works: A New Testament Perspective

James 2:17 (NKJV)“Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

• James emphasizes that true faith is accompanied by actions. Believing in God is foundational, but belief without corresponding actions is empty.

• Abraham demonstrated his faith through obedience. When God commanded him to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22), Abraham acted in faith, and his obedience was credited to him as righteousness (James 2:21-24).

• It’s easy to say we believe in God, but does our daily life reflect it? Do we care for the needy, forgive our enemies, and live out the principles of the Gospel?

  
  

4. The Danger of Hypocrisy

Matthew 23:3 (NKJV)“Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.”

• Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. They knew the law and taught it but failed to live by it. Their actions betrayed their knowledge, rendering their teaching ineffective.

• Imagine a doctor who advises healthy eating but is seen bingeing on junk food. His knowledge doesn’t align with his actions, and his credibility is lost.

• As Christians, we are called to live authentically. If we know God’s truth, our lives must reflect it. Hypocrisy damages our witness and dishonors God.

  
  

5. The Reward for Doing What’s Right

Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

• Acting on what is right may not yield immediate results, but God promises a harvest in due season. Our faithful actions, rooted in obedience to His Word, will bear fruit.

• Consider Noah (Genesis 6-9). He acted in obedience to God by building the ark, despite the ridicule of others. His faith and actions saved his family and preserved humanity.

• Are we willing to act on God’s Word, even when it’s difficult or unpopular? Trust in His promises and persist in doing right, knowing that your labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

  
  

  A Challenge to Act

Micah 6:8 (NKJV)“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

• Today, commit not just to knowing God’s Word but to living it out. Examine areas where you may be falling short in applying His truths. Remember, righteousness is proven by actions, not intentions.

  
  

Lord, help us to be not just hearers of Your Word but doers. Transform our knowledge into action and our faith into works that glorify You. Empower us to live out Your truth daily, so that our lives reflect Your love and righteousness. Amen.