James 1:22 & 25
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. The man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.”
In a few weeks we will be seeing mallard ducks flying low over the house. There is a whistle to their wings as they fly and they are extremely graceful in flight. On the ground is another matter. They waddle in an awkward manner. I think many of us have seen films of Penguins walking, versus the magnificent way they swim. The difference is that these creatures were created by God to be more at home in their natural element. Ducks in flight—penguins in water.
It is not difficult to determine what the pattern of this world is. Pick up a newspaper, turn on the television, listen to the radio, or talk with unregenerate people and we will immediately discover the pattern of this world. Simply stated, it is that which is not in complete harmony with God’s Word, God’s plan and/or God’s purposes. God has designed us to soar with Him in obedience.
In refusing to be conformed to this world, we need to recognize that we will be seen as “different.” I guess that is what it is all about, isn’t it? We are called to be children of the King and as such we are not to be conformed to the ways that define the ways of the world. Instead we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. It is like the waddling ducks lifting into the sky. We are meant to fly—not waddle. I hope you understand what I mean.
We are to approve what God’s will is. It is not enough to test the Word to discover God’s ways—we are also to approve God’s will. By approving God’s will, we are to get in step with His will. This means doing and approving what others are doing to fulfill the will of Him who has given us new life. Stop waddling and start soaring!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil