“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” — James 1:22

“I’m just not good at math,” “I hate reading,” and “School just isn’t for me,” are words I consistently hear on the first day of school. I let them know that they are teenagers and by the time they graduate, they could be great at math, have read a hundred books, and have a diploma. I also let them know that believing their own words conveniently exonerates them from feeling like they need to get to work.

I think we do it in the Christian world as well. “I just don’t have time to read the Bible,” “the Bible is too difficult to understand,” and even “I’m not sure God will show Himself real to me” are statements that keep us from being doers of the Word. As long as one doesn’t fully believe, they don’t have to fully commit their time and effort.

Give James 1 a read and get the context of the verse. When things get tough, I’m supposed to rejoice because my endurance is getting a chance to grow. I don’t naturally think like this. I need the Word consistently flowing through my mind to even have a chance at truly living this stuff out.

I’m afraid most American Christians, myself included, would rather have a smooth and easy life. But when I think about the Lord and what awaits on the other side of this life . . . I want to be prepared. That will not happen if I’m deceiving myself through my own negative self-talk.

Lord, I know I can begin to live on autopilot very easily. Help me to see the trials and difficult things I do as blessings. You’ve already grown me so much in my faith . . . I can’t thank You enough. Help me and all who read this to trust in You and evaluate our hearts and minds. Show us where we deceive ourselves. I also ask that You help combat this lazy attitude that many students are bringing this school year. Help us, Lord! We need it.