24 November | Youth
«But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.» James 1:22
A certain young man approached a wise man and said: “I see that you are a happy person. What is the secret to happiness?” The wise man promptly replied: “The secret is not arguing with foolish people.” The young man was not satisfied and replied: “I do not agree with you. It cannot be that simple!” The wise man replied: “Okay.”
Why did he not try to convince the boy? For many years, that man applied his own teaching. He not only had theoretical knowledge but had put into practice the principles he taught.
Wise and foolish are distinguished precisely on this point. The fool boasts about what he knows and even about what he does not know; the wise practices what they know. The fool exalts theory; the wise values experience. The fool thinks they know everything; the wise recognizes that they need to learn more.
In spiritual life, applying biblical knowledge is essential. Jesus showed the difference between wise and foolish in a well-known gospel story. He said that whoever hears His words and practices them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The fool even hears the words of Jesus, but he is not willing to act on what he has learned. Therefore, he is like a foolish man who built on the sand. One day the house will fall.
The fool thinks that hearing the Word is enough. They focus on information, not on action. The wise man does not want to be a mere listener or have only the appearance of a believer. He exalts the truth that impresses but does not give up the power that it transforms.
The Word of God will only be effective in the Christian's life if there is effort to practice the truths learned. You should not just talk about Christ; you should above all act like Christ. You should not just carry the Bible in your hand, but also carry it in your heart.
Religion should not just be speech, but a resource to bring people to Jesus’ feet, their personal friend and sufficient Savior. Make Him your Master today, but do not just stick to theory. Follow Jesus' example. Give yourself body and soul, in spirit and in truth. Believe and act. It is the only way to make a difference!