But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the truth]. James 1:22
Hello Friend,
This week contains a difficult concept to grasp. I’ll do my best to explain it: There are two distinct aspects of your inner being. The first is you; often called the silent witness—much like you’re watching a movie on a screen. The other is what you watch—the drama. You, as the witness, listen to the part of you that never shuts up. You are the observer of those thoughts. Your mind generates all kinds of crazy nonsense, and you have the choice to let those thoughts control your moods and actions or to break those strongholds of your mind. That is why today’s scripture tells us to be doers of the Word. What we hear (our thoughts) often tell us to do the most unchristian things. Our thoughts tempt us to follow through with actions that bear hurtful consequences. But Jesus says, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free" (John 8:32). This verse does not say, “Your thoughts are true.” It says, “You, the silent witness of your thoughts, know the truth, and this truth will set you free” from wrong actions based on fickle feelings. My suggestion is that this week you meditate on this concept. Practice listening to your thoughts and know that the hearer of those thoughts in your head is the Christlike part of you that knows the truth. True freedom comes with just observing those thoughts and then doing what you know to be the will of God. Stick with this practice even if it seems difficult; you will be so glad that you gained control over your wandering mind. Learning to discern the truth, Linda