My spiritual father taught us a lesson I would never forget. He was exposing us to the way he takes notes in Church. He would divide his notebook into two; what the sermon says, and what his actions would be. That way, he has more than a sermon note, he has action plans.

Friend, the proof that you have attended Church or met God is the testimony of a changed life (2 Corinthians 3:18). But your life would not change unless you are a doer of the things you are taught. This is why James says, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22). It is self deceit to only make a habit of hearing messages, piling up notes while doing nothing about what you learn.

The reason it seems a lot of people are going to Church and there is no commensurate change is because of lack of obedience to the word. Listen, obedience to the word of God is work! “But whoso looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:25). You should take responsibility under God to work the word of God. It is the word of God you work that would eventually work in your life (2 Timothy 2:15).

Thank God for exclamations and excitements but until you gain understanding and commit to practising the word, your life cannot significantly change (Mark 4:16-17). Thus, rather than just saying, “what a powerful message!” Balance it with, “I will do something about this!” You cannot bamboozle God with empty shouts. Someone attended Jesus’ meeting sometime ago and said, “…Blessed is the womb that bare you…”, Jesus’ reply was highly instructive; “…Yes rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it” (Luke 11:27-28).

As you go to Church today and get around God’s word, learn this principle of working the word. Some people don’t need a new word or teaching, they simply need to act on what they already heard. This is why it is good for pastors to repeat their sermons because only very few Church members act on the previous sermons. Be among the few. Go for the word. Act on the word. You will succeed (Psalms 1:1-3, Acts 1:1). Amen!

© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria