Poetry in Motion

There’s an interesting phrase James uses here and if we’re not careful, we’ll miss its intention. “But be doers of the word…” James 1:22 (ESV). “But be” is a command which means to ‘keep on becoming’ and ‘doers of the Word’ envelopes our entire life, personality, and character. A doer is one who makes something, a performer, or a poet. It could be said that we are literally poetry in motion as we are being ‘conformed to His image’ (Romans 8:29).

But how are we being conformed? Is it listening to a sermon or Bible study that causes us to grow and get God’s blessing? The Scriptures are clear; it is not merely the hearing the Word that brings the blessing, it is being doers of what we hear. James is reflecting on the teachings of Jesus (Matt 7:24, 26; Luke 6:46, 49) who was emphatic when He taught that ‘hearers’ become ‘doers’; people Jesus refers to as being wise.

So how do we keep on track? How do we know we’re continually being doers of the Word? Every day we must look into the mirror of the Bible (James 1:23). As we do, we are to reflect on it, allowing it reveal who we are and whether or not our lives are being transformed by it.

“Father, write your word on my heart today so that my life will be poetry in motion. May I say with the Psalmist, ‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer’ Psalm 19:14 (ESV). Amen.”