LIVING THE WORD YOU HEAR
There are so many people who would rather hear a good sermon on Sunday but won’t live to show one through the week.
The statement underscores a disconnect that often exists between hearing the Word of God and applying it in daily life. It reflects a common challenge in Christian living: the tendency to enjoy spiritual nourishment during church services but fail to live out those teachings in practical, everyday situations. Below is a detailed explanation:
Hearing Without Doing
Scripture warns against being hearers of the Word only and not doers. James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Many people find inspiration in a well-delivered sermon, but they stop at intellectual or emotional engagement. The transformative power of the Word lies in obedience and practical application, not just in hearing or appreciating it.
Living the Sermon
To “show a sermon” throughout the week means embodying the principles and teachings of Christ in actions, attitudes, and choices. It requires:
1. Consistency in Character: Reflecting Christlike values such as kindness, patience, forgiveness, and humility.
2. Practical Faith: Allowing the faith expressed during Sunday worship to influence decisions, relationships, and behavior in everyday life.
3. Servanthood and Love: Demonstrating love for others through acts of service, compassion, and generosity, fulfilling Christ’s command in John 13:35: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Reasons for the Discrepancy
1. Spiritual Immaturity: Some individuals are still growing in their faith and struggle to align their behavior with biblical teachings.
2. Worldly Distractions: The pressures and temptations of daily life can overshadow the message received in church.
3. Superficial Engagement: A lack of genuine transformation in the heart leads to shallow faith that doesn’t manifest in actions.
4. Fear or Peer Pressure: Living out one’s faith can sometimes lead to ridicule or opposition, causing some to conform to societal norms instead.
The Call to Authentic Christianity
Living out a sermon means being a light in the world, as Jesus instructed in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” True discipleship requires that the teachings of Christ shape every aspect of life, not just Sunday worship.
Conclusion
A good sermon should be the starting point for reflection, conviction, and action. Christianity is not just about absorbing knowledge or feeling inspired; it is about transformation that manifests in how one lives daily. The challenge for believers is to bridge the gap between hearing and doing, allowing the message they receive on Sunday to be a testimony throughout the week.