Counsel of Spiritual Life

Counsel #6 — Doers, Not Just Hearers

Picture: Counsel #6 — Doers, Not Just Hearers CSL 76.1

It’s possible to attend church weekly, even read the Bible every day, and still be just a “hearer” of the Word of God. If we are “doers” of the Word, our lives will be transformed (see 2 Corinthians 5:17)!^[56] The things we once loved—the ungodly elements of the world—we now hate, and the things we once hated—the things of God and heaven—we now love. CSL 76.2

If we are “doers” of the Word, all the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control—will be evident in our lives every day. This transformation of our nature is accomplished through our submission to the Holy Spirit. CSL 76.3

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22 NKJV CSL 76.4

“God calls upon those who know His will to be doers of His word. Weakness, halfheartedness, and indecision provoke the assaults of Satan; and those who permit these traits to grow will be borne helplessly down by the surging waves of temptation. Everyone who professes the name of Christ is required to grow up to the full stature of Christ, the Christian’s living head.” Ellen White in Maranatha, p. 44 CSL 76.5

Reflect: Are there any “fruits of the Spirit” missing in your life? (see Galatians 5:22, 23) CSL 76.6