Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

James 1:23-24 (NIV)

I’ve worn glasses most of my life. In fact, it’s hard to remember a time I didn’t. Without them, the world looks like a camera out of focus. I can see objects but not enough details to use them. I can see people but don’t know them until I’m up close.

I know my prescription changes over time, but I rarely notice until I’m struggling to see things that were once easy to read, like the numbers on a clock. Even then, I try to make excuses like “my glasses must be dirty” or “my eyes are just tired.” Each time, I eventually breakdown and accept that I need a new prescription, which I dread getting. The tests hurt my eyes, the cost is higher than I want to pay, and there is always an adjustment period to get comfortable with my new prescription. But, when I’m through it, I find joy in being able to see the finer details again. It’s like getting a new lease on life.

James’ words echo what it feels like to live without the right prescription glasses. The word of God is our spiritual prescription. When we hear but don’t live it, we walk around seeing ourselves out of focus. We miss the fly aways on our hair, the stain on our clothes, the hole in our socks, and the food in our teeth. To ourselves we look good but for those with good vision, they see our real mess. The only way to see ourselves clearly again is to go back to Dr. Jesus and start wearing the right prescription. His word reveals where we’re struggling and explains how to overcome it. It encourages us to face our fears and let go of our excuses. It reminds us that we can’t afford to give up doing what is right or we’ll risk losing what really matters. We must maintain the right prescription, and we can only do that by living out God’s word. The more we try living it, the more convicted we feel when we don’t.