If we fail to practice what we know, we are not only disobedient, but Scripture says we deceive ourselves. James also says it is the person that hears and does that is blessed or happy. Basically, many of us don't need to learn more, we just need to live what we already know. Philippians 3:16 " ...Only let us live up to what we have already attained..." Consider how different our lives would be and how great an impact we would have if we just lived what we already knew about obedience and faith. Often times we don't progress in our walk because we have failed to be faithful with what God has already given us. If we are truly to be Christ-followers, we must practice our faith, practice obedience, practice holiness, practice, practice, practice.
I find James very clear on this principle. James 1:21-27 "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless."
Diane
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