Sometimes the Do's are Harder than the Do-Not's
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
Psalm 119:112, ESV
incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end.
Matthew 7:24, NIV
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
James 1:22-25, NIV
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says…But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
We often look at scriptures like these and immediately think of the do not’s of the Bible (sins). But, the longer we walk with Jesus, I think it’s the do’s of scripture which become much more difficult than the do-not’s. Do’s such as:
if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:23-24)
and when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins (Mark 11:25)
bless [speak well of] those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:28)
be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6)
whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8)
count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds (James 1:2)
be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger (James 1:19)
How often do we allow conflict to remain unreconciled because we don't want to humble ourselves?
How often do we justify slander in the name of “discernment,” “venting,” or “sharing?”
How often do we allow our minds to dwell on what is untrue, inferior, impure, ugly, or shameful—or on the wrongs done to us?
How often do we complain in our trials rather than praise in our trials?
This is next-level stuff. These are the harder things. But, these are things our strong foundation depends on. This is where we crucify the flesh—but fortify the soul.
This is where the fullest life in the Spirit is found—the kind of life Jesus gave His life to give us.
Oh Lord, thank You for Your Word! Have Your way in our hearts—reveal any offensive way in us, and lead us in the way everlasting. Help us to practice every part of Your Word so we can live the fullest life Jesus died to give us. Amen.
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