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 sermon notes. He has action points.
Friend, do you just have sermon notes or action points? The proof that you have attended church or met with 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 (James 1:22). It is self-deception to only make a habit of hearing messages and piling up notes while doing nothing about what you learn.
The reason it seems a lot of people go to church and there is no commensurate change in their lives is because of lack of obedience to the word. Listen, obedience to God’s word is work, and it works (James 1:25)! You should take responsibility under God to work the word of God. It is the word of God that 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 would not 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 (Luke 11:27-28).
As you go to church today and get around God’s word, learn this principle of working the word. Perhaps you don’t need a new word or revelation today. You only need to act on what you have heard before now. This is why it is good for pastors to repeat their sermons because only very few church members act on the previous sermons (2 Peter 1:12-13, 3:1). 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