Are You Deceived

God tells us to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22, NKJV). My question is, “How many people sitting in our churches each Sunday are deceived?” Might you be one of them?

Let us begin by considering the value of the Scriptures. In 2 Timothy we learn that all Scripture is inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16). The Scriptures are profitable or find value for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. If we are willing to take time and study the Scriptures, the next verse suggests that the man of God may be complete, trained and made ready for every good work. How many people, especially in America where resources are so readily available, have been trained and made ready?

The word of God is like tools in the toolbox of a workman. They can be the latest and the best, but unless the workman takes them out of the box and uses them on a regular basis, he will never grow in his skill and will not accomplish much, if anything, of value. You can continue to add tools to your inventory and your pride grows because of your collection.

Do you think of yourself as a student of the Bible? Do you find yourself in church once or twice or more each week? Do you have a daily devotional and even read the Bible through each year? Maybe you have memorized many Bible verses and know how to answer many Bible questions. Maybe your Bible toolbox is full, but do you know how to use the tools. Do you use your tools daily along the pathway of life helping those who have some kind of need?

God tells us that knowing the word is not enough. It must be used. It is like faith. Faith is not really faith unless it accomplishes something. Knowledge of the word is not enough. It must accomplish something. If you think otherwise, God says you are deceived and that is not a good thing. Compared to the rest of the world, American Christians are rich in resources of the word, but like their physical wealth they have kept it to themselves and in time their wealth becomes worthless. The wealth of God’s word unused will result in a great loss of freedom. We will become slaves by not using our wealth and being doers. It has happened to people in the past and it will happen to us. So, are you deceived or are your tools well used?