They Hear What You Say,

But They Will Not Do It

As for you, mortal, your people who talk together about you by the walls, and at the doors of the houses, say to one another, each to a neighbor, “Come and hear what the word is that comes from the LORD.” They come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear your words, but they will not obey them. For flattery is on their lips, but their heart is set on their gain. To them you are like a singer of love songs, one who has a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument; they hear what you say, but they will not do it. When this comes – and come it will! – then they shall know that a prophet has been among them.

Ezekiel 33:30-33

Each year people set goals, and some people want to read the Bible in a year. Some do it, and promptly forget what they read. Others save it for another day.

Regular reading of God’s Word is a worthy practice, but it is not an end in itself. You may have a wonderful voice, but if you don’t act as well as you sing, it means little.

How will each of us read the Bible this year? Will we read it quickly to achieve the goal of getting through it? Or will we read it with the aim of doing what it says?

Don’t just read the Bible. Live it!

The value of the Bible

consists not only in knowing it

but obeying it.

Our Daily Bread – January 1, 2009