Today’s blog post is about last Sunday’s church service. It’s funny how God works because it felt like the last two Sundays were written specifically for me. Personally, I find it beneficial to write down what I learn so I can reference it later, and I hope this might help someone else as well. Maybe this will become a regular practice after each service.

On October 1st, 2023, the service opened with the statement, “Teachable people are fruitful and blessed people.” They have a listening heart that remains open. Pastor Ivan then spoke about the story of James, referencing James 1:19: “But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” When I heard this, I immediately thought, Wait, this isn’t the first time I’ve seen this. Then I remembered the Bible app had shared this exact verse with me the day before, just worded slightly differently: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” I took it as a sign that this is something I need to work on in my life.

A key takeaway was that we can never grow if we don’t stop to listen. We need the Lord to speak to us and through others so that we can gain wisdom and flourish. But to do that, we must cut out negativity and stop being cynical, much less sound ourselves with good Christian people. Pastor Ivan made a powerful statement: “We have two ears and one heart for a reason.” Listening is essential in our daily lives, yet it’s so easy to get caught up in distractions and ignore what God is trying to teach us.

Being a Doer, Not Just a Hearer

James 1:23 says, “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror.” I’ve often found myself attending church on Sundays but then going about my week as if nothing changed. I take in the message, but I don’t always act on it. This service was a wake-up call. I can’t expect to grow if I don’t actively apply God’s word in my life. One thing I learned in this service is that being quiet and having a listening heart play a huge role in spiritual growth.

Another element of truth I gained was that the constant activity of sin must be removed. As Pastor Ivan said, “You have to prepare the ground and rip out the weeds before you can receive the word.” I need to remove the distractions, cleanse my heart, and be ready to receive God’s wisdom. I’ve realized that my heart hasn’t always been where it needs to be, and I must be more prepared for the Lord to speak to me.

One practical step is allowing myself more downtime. I’ve always been someone who stays busy, constantly on the move, and truthfully, I struggle with relaxing. But I know I need to improve in this area so that I can walk through the doors God has prepared for me. James 1:21 says, “We are to receive it humbly.” This entire service was humbling in itself for me as it reminded me to be more receptive to hearing from God and others.

Facing the Reflection of God’s Word

I understand why some people find it difficult to open their Bibles. The Bible is like a mirror as it reveals what we need to change. When God’s word exposes our flaws, it can be hard to take in, but it’s necessary for our growth. However, the beautiful truth is that God’s love remains constant. No matter how imperfect we are, He loves us the same today as He did yesterday, and as He will tomorrow.

Though facing our shortcomings isn’t easy, we must come to terms with them. Spiritual growth requires reflection and correction. I know I need to deal with these areas in my life. Humbly speaking, I can’t expect to grow and change if I don’t take action. Moving forward, my goal is to respond immediately and not delay applying what I learn.

Psalms 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” This verse reminds me that God is guiding me, but I need to do my part and listen.

Separating from the World

Pastor Ivan also emphasized the importance of separating ourselves from worldly distractions. He referenced John 8:31-36, which speaks about the truth setting us free. He reminded us that we should not conform to the world but instead focus on heavenly things. This resonated with me because I’ve always struggled with saying no. I’ve learned that constantly saying yes to things isn’t always being selfless, it can actually be self-destructive. This service taught me that I need to accept who I am but also understand that God has the power to change and grow me. This is what allows true separation from the world and its distractions.

Final Thoughts: Be Humble and Take Action

One last takeaway: Be humble and be responsive. Don’t just attend church because it feels good, but rather take action. The Bible shouldn’t just be something we mark; it should mark us. It’s one thing to read the Word, but it’s another thing to live it daily.

This message was something I needed to hear, and I hope it speaks to someone else, too. Moving forward, I want to focus on putting God’s word into practice and trusting that through humility and action, He will continue to guide me in the right direction.

Xoxo, Harleigh