Too Fast in All the Wrong Places

I like reading Paul's epistles because they are stuffed full of great theology--what we call "orthodoxy" ... "right thinking"--followed by "Therefore we should" kinds of things--"orthopraxy" ... "right practice." Good stuff. James's epistle is different. He writes thoroughly practical instructions. I mean, he offers some "why's," but he's really big on "what we should do." Like this one:

Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. (James 1:19)

Clean, simple, easy to understand ... no questions. So ... why is it so rare? (It's ironic, in fact, that James says just two verses later, "Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves" (James 1:22) when we are so very bad at doing what James 1:19 says.)

The other day I saw a news item over the whole Nancy Guthrie story. NBC has been supportive, but ... some viewers are angry that a few of the news people aren't wearing yellow ribbons. Really? That's an issue to be angry about? I was reading the other day about a fairly recent phenomenon referred to as "outrage culture." It's not that outrage is new. It's that the culture is outraged rather than merely individuals. Or there's "cancel culture" where we shoot down an entire life because of social outrage. It seems like we're a people who are far more easily offended these days. We Christians aren't immune. In fact, we're prone to it. But ... we label it "righteous indignation." Yet, we have this command from James. He isn't vague. We are supposed to be quick to listen. We are supposed to be slow to speak and slow to anger. Instead we're not very good listeners, but we are really quick on the mouth draw and fast to shoot off in anger. Social media doesn't help. We have a louder platform for our speech and outrage ... sorry ... righteous indignation. But James doesn't leave us to guess why we should be slow to anger. "For the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God" (James 1:20) "Hang on, James. Are you saying we aren't making the world a better place in our speedy, angry responses?" Exactly. That's precisely what James is saying.

We Christians--you know ... people of the book ... people with God's Word to guide us--think we have an obligation to correct sin where we find it and we will use moral outrage to do it. Mind you, Jesus did confront sin on occasion in His ministry on earth, but His normal operating procedure was not outrage, but love. We might want to reconsider our approach ... to so many people and things today. Maybe yelling at that driver that cut you off isn't the best response. "Quick to anger" doesn't accomplish what God wants. Maybe we should try listening more to people who disagree with us ... instead of waiting for their lips to stop moving and telling them every way they were wrong. Maybe we should be speaking the truth in love and pursuing their best interests--which begins with knowing Christ--rather than using our tongues and our anger to ... fail to accomplish what we think it should ... what God says it doesn't.

Judge

Jesus famously said, "Judge not, lest you be judged" (Matt 7:1). I would contend that interpreting that as "Don't judge" violates the rest of what He said, but I want to focus the attention somewhere else. Jesus did say to judge.

"Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? (Matt 7:3)

Ouch! When Jesus warned against judging others, it was on this basis ... judge yourself first. As it turns out, it is a common theme in Scripture. Paul told the Corinthians, "Examine yourselves" (2 Cor 13:5) and the Galatian Christians to "Let each one test his own work" (Gal 6:3-4). Jeremiah urged his readers to "test and examine our ways" (Lam 3:40). Paul told the Roman Christians, "Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand" (Rom 14:4). David prayed, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way" (Psa 139:23-24). Paul wrote that we're supposed to restore "in the spirit of gentleness" a brother caught in a trespass with specific instructions to be "looking to yourself so that you too will not be tempted" (Gal 6:1).

It turns out we are supposed to judge ... but we're supposed to judge ourselves first. In His parable about the unforgiving servant (Matt 18:21-35), a servant is forgiven by the master for a large sum and then fails to forgive his fellow servant for a pittance. Jesus didn't consider that a good idea (Matt 18:34-35). Conversely, Jesus assured us that the one who is forgiven much loves much (Luke 7:47). Maybe ... if we are careful ... we can judge ourselves first. We judge our own errors and see our own forgiven sins. We can then 1) correct our own errors (which are undoubtedly numerous) and 2) approach others with more love than judgmentalism.

Why, God?

When we endure hardships and trials, we always seem to want to ask God, "Why??" Sometimes we're mad. Sometimes we're just curious. Almost always there's at least some skepticism, as if it's not really possible it was for any good purpose. We ask, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" and comfort ourselves that we'll know "someday." The answer, however, isn't so obscure or nebulous. We don't have to guess or hope. We actually have good information from God.

"Let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator" (1 Peter 4:19). Suffering builds trust in God. "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word" (Psa 119:67). Suffering corrects. "To you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me" (Php 1:29-30). Suffering assists in identifying with Christ and our fellow believers. I love this one.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Cor 1:3-4)

That is, when we suffer afflictions, we become ... experts, so to speak. We gain a ministry, if you will. We can say to someone else going through what we did, "I know how it feels" and "This is what God did for me."

In the end, we can be absolutely sure of two things. Like Joseph told his brothers, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (Gen 50:20). Whether the "evil" is human-caused or not and whether the event was intentional or accidental, we can be sure "God meant it for good." Second, we know what good. "We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren" (Rom 8:28-29). He's always in the process of conforming us to the image of His Son. That's why it's "good to those who love God" ... because it's good to us to be shaped into Christ's image. What is God doing? The very best for us ... even when we don't know what or why. Will you trust Him for it?

Holy?

In Leviticus 10 we read the strange story of Nadab and Abihu, two of Aaron's sons. In that story, the brothers "each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before YHWH" (Lev 10:1). "Unauthorized fire." What does that even mean? So the Lord corrected them. "No, guys, that's not how it works." No, actually, "And fire came out from before YHWH and consumed them, and they died before YHWH" (Lev 10:2). "Whoa! Overreact much, God?" Obviously not. But why was this such a big deal? I mean ... "unauthorized fire"? Well, the text doesn't leave us to wonder. "Then Moses said to Aaron, 'It is what YHWH spoke, saying, "By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, And before all the people I will be honored."'" And Aaron argued the point? No. "So Aaron, therefore, kept silent" (Lev 10:3). Apparently God highly values being treated as holy.

It wasn't just once. If you're familiar with Scripture, you'll remember that Moses, after leading the children of Israel for 40 years through the desert, didn't get to the Promised Land himself. Scripture says, "Since that time no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom YHWH knew face to face" (Deut 34:10). He was the premier prophet of Israel, but he didn't get into the Promised Land. Why? Well, the story goes that he struck the rock instead of speaking to it (Num 20:2-13). "Wait ... he hit it instead of speaking to it and that kept him out of the Promised Land?" Well ... no. Again, Scripture doesn't leave us to guess. It wasn't the deed. Instead, God told Moses, "Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them" (Num 20:12). So ... it wasn't "He struck the rock." It was his lack of faith ... and primarily He didn't treat God as holy. It's a seriously important thing to God.

Scripture lists a whole variety of attributes for God, but only one is listed in triplicate ... twice. In Isaiah (Isa 6:3) and in Revelation (Rev 4:8), God is described not as "holy," but as "holy, holy, holy." Three times. In the mode of speech of the day, that would be like underlining and italicizing and bold printing "holy." It would be like "holy, holier, holiest." He is the Most High, the Holy One, the ultimate "other." Not like us. That's what the word means. Set apart. We take His name in vain. We treat worship as entertainment and casual. We assume He agrees with our opinions and edit His character as Scripture puts it to agree with our own version. We regard Him as "the big man upstairs" or the like. We minimize sin and are outraged that He might actually have something like "wrath" towards it. We pursue Him for personal gain. We fail to reflect Him or to seek His glory rather than our own. We neglect His word by ignoring or editing or simply not doing it. Ask Nadab and Abihu. Ask Moses. This is not a wise approach for those of us who claim to be believers. And, like Moses, we may be forgiven, but that doesn't mean there aren't earthly consequences for our refusal to treat Him as holy when "holy" is His most important attribute.

An Unexpected Ignition

Growing up, I was taught that if someone you know was in an accident, you don't ask, "How bad was it?" You ask, "Are you okay?" That's so they know you're more concerned about the person than the event. I was taught when a woman says, "What do you think of my new dress?" a suitable answer is, "It's nice," but a better answer is, "It looks good on you" because the real aim is that she knows she looks good, not just the dress. And we've all heard "Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me" and we've all learned that's not true at all. Because what you say has very real effects.

James wrote, "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well" (James 3:2). It turns out, the Bible is full of stuff on the problem of the tongue ... on the problem of communication.

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Prov 12:18)

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Eph 4:29)

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! (Psa 141:3)

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Prov 15:1)

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. (Matt 12:36-37)

And that's just a few blatant examples. I don't know about you, but I'm sensing a trend here. One account says that, while there are over 60 references to sexual sin in the Bible, there are hundreds of references to the sins of the mouth. In fact, Jesus said, "What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person" (Matt 15:18). So what's the problem here? The heart. And, Paul wrote, "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal" (1 Cor 13:1). There's a secret there, isn't there? It's not the eloquence or the speech as much as the motivation. When we communicate, are we motivated by love?

When we speak, you see, we're speaking "out." That is, we're taking what's inside and putting it outside. What we're not doing enough is considering the "out" first. We're not considering the listener. We tend to be slow to hear, quick to speak, and quick to anger (as opposed to James 1:19). James compares our tongues to a fire starter. He says, "The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell" (James 3:5-6). And not in a good way. Perhaps we should consider David's prayer: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer" (Psa 19:14). Perhaps we should pay a lot more attention to our speech ... online and in person.

A Different "Consist"ency

Years ago my mother fell and broke her hip. She tells the story of her lying in bed in the early weeks of recovery and having to get up ... urgently. She realized ... she couldn't. She didn't want to wake Dad, so, as she was wont to do, she cried out to God. "Please, Father, help me to get up and get there." She told me she heard a voice (in her head) that clearly said, "Who did you think was getting you there in the past?" We're a funny people, we Christians. We think that we're pretty capable when the fundamental basis of our salvation is that we're not. Lots of Christians think they have a major role in most everything in their lives and, in fact, they are kind of miffed if they think God is interfering. "Of course I get myself dressed and take care of my family and get myself to work and all that. I don't need GOD for that."

In his epistle to the church at Colossae, Paul says, "He (Christ) is before all things, and in Him all things hold together" (Col 1:17) The Greek word translated "hold together" or "consist" means to be constituted, to be held in existence. It's what the philosophers call "ontological language." Ontology is the branch of metaphysics that deals with the nature of being. "All things" that exist are "held together" in Him. And the tense is present. The language says that the ongoing existence of ... everything is in Christ. The author of Hebrews says He "upholds all things by the word of His power" (Heb 1:3). Ongoing ... present tense. The imagery is that of God holding everything in His hand and actively holding it together. If He lets go ... it ceases to be.

He is the origin of all things and the sustainer of all things. He is the "organizing principle" of all creation. When He "introduced Himself" at the burning bush to Moses, He called Himself, "I AM WHO I AM," literally "existence." He is the one and only self-existent one. He is the "first cause." The rest of us are effects, results of His creation. The rest of us all hold together in Him. And lest you think at some point that you're doing fine without Him at this moment, think again. If He didn't hold you in His hand, you wouldn't just fail ... you'd cease to exist. Without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). Conversely, He "is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us" (Eph 3:20). Just keep that in mind. It's Him, not us ... and He is utterly capable.

News Weakly - 2/21/2026

Biased Bloodshed
"Israel continues bloodshed in Gaza," the media reports, generally ignoring the Israeli claim that Hamas continues to violate the truce. You and I don't know the full extent of this story, but they're asking us to cave to the Palestinians and retaliate against Israel. without any regard for Israel ... or God's Word (e.g., Gen 15:18-21; Gen 17:7-8; Exo 22:21; Isa 1:17; Rom 11:11-24; Psa 122:6). That, of course, is the bias of the world ... attacking God's chosen people.

Tech Talk, Tech Talk
The search for Nancy Guthrie continues. They found DNA evidence on a glove found near her home. Testing, they say, typically takes 24 hours. Note that this is not the five minutes shown on typical TV cop shows nor the typical "three day floor" generally accepted as the minimum time nor the general several weeks to several months for normal DNA analysis. Now ... I happen to know there is at least one device out there that can do the test in 2 hours (my name is on the patent), but ... 24 hours in this case is remarkably fast. I guess high profile cases improve technology? Or ... something.

Guilty By Association
Polling ranks Melania Trump as "second least popular" of recent first ladies (ironically just ahead of Hillary). Why? Oddly, not primarily because of what she's done. It's firstly about her "lack of visibility" ... what she hasn't done. And, of course, there is no doubt that simply being tied to "Trump" makes her "bad" all on her own to a whole lot of dunderheads. I have no feelings about the first lady specifically because she hasn't done anything positive or negative. I don't know her ... in any sense. And I'm not going to commit the extremely common fallacy of "guilty by association" even if I do have reasons to not be pleased with her husband.

Come On, Man
Now the president is giving ICE the authority to detain ... legal refugees? When the president "cracks down" on legal immigration, it's quite clear that he's anti-immigration ... for reasons that aren't at all clear to me. He doesn't want to "strain American communities"? We all know that one of the reasons God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah was that they were inhospitable (Ezek 16:49-50). I can almost hear God saying, "Don't MAKE Me come down there, Donald."

Your Best Source for Fake News
I guess it's primarily because I just mentioned this text twice in the past couple weeks, but I got a kick out of this story. Recently deceased Tiffany Smith stood before the Great White Throne of Judgment and told Jesus, "You know, the Bible says you shouldn't judge people." She goes on to correct Him further. "We have to love each other, and loving means not judging." Thanks, Tiff. Then, in the wake of Melania's "poor ratings," Trump boasts that he now has the highest approval rating of any current U.S. president. Well? He does! Of course ... and the lowest ... so ... there's that. Finally, ICE is leaving Minneapolis (actual story). The Bee is reporting they're going to focus on actual American cities now. What next? A border wall ... around Minneapolis?

Must be true; I read it on the internet.

Short ... Not Necessarily Sweet

I was listening to a couple of old people at church talking about how we dress differently today for church. A phrase occurred to me. "I'm puttin' on my Sunday-go-to-meetin' clothes." What was that?

No one really questioned the specifics. Nor did they question the suitability. It did not require expensive clothes or even attractive clothes. They understood it to mean "the best available clothing." The farmer who put on his cleanest pair of overalls considered himself to be wearing his "Sunday best." It was not dressing to impress, but dressing to respect. They intended to show respect for God, for the gathered saints, and to express their own dignity even in poverty ... their "made in God's image" worth.

Without intending to raise the debate again, you can see that times have changed. Use the phrase in today's churches ... even older churches ... and it would likely have no meaning to probably the majority because they don't understand the concept of dressing up for church. Even people who do dress up for church have chalked it up to "looking good" and "dressing to impress," not as a sign of respect for God and His people. It just struck me hearing those older people talk. They were even ridiculing the idea of dressing up for church.

The Life of Christ

The phrase, "the life of Christ," might refer to His life when He lived on Earth. We can get a pretty good picture of that life in the Gospels. But it could also refer to the life He gives to His followers. What do we mean when we use it in the latter sense?

What does the Bible tell us about the life that Christ gives His followers?

1. A Life of Transformation
Following Christ means leaving behind the old self and embracing a new way of living shaped by His Spirit. This isn’t superficial improvement—it’s a deep, inner renewal. Believers are called to deny themselves and follow Him (Matt 16:24). Paul describes counting all things as loss compared to knowing Christ, showing that this new life reorders our values and desires (Php 3:7-10). This transformed life is marked by a growing resemblance to Christ’s character (Rom 8:28-29).

2. A Life of Obedience and Devotion
The life Christ gives is not passive—it’s a daily walk of obedience, shaped by His teachings and empowered by His Spirit. True discipleship involves walking as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6). It includes a daily “death to self,” echoing Jesus’ call to take up the cross (Luke 9:23). This life is centered on God’s glory, not our own ambitions (1 Cor 10:31).

3. A Life of Service and Love
Christ’s life in His followers expresses itself outwardly through humble service. Jesus teaches that greatness in His kingdom comes through serving others (Matt 20:26). Believers are called to use their gifts to serve others as stewards of God’s grace (1 Peter 4:10). Service isn’t optional—it’s a defining mark of Christ’s life in us.

4. A Life of Commitment and Faithfulness
Following Christ means wholehearted commitment, even when it’s costly. Jesus calls His followers to put Him above all earthly relationships and loyalties (Matt 10:34-39). Commitment to Christ involves embracing His mission and setting aside our own desires. This life is marked by perseverance and devotion.

5. A Life Rooted in Christ Himself
Ultimately, the life Christ gives is His own life shared with believers. Jesus declares, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Through faith, believers gain a righteousness not from themselves but from Christ (Php 3:9). This is not merely moral improvement—it is participation in the life of Christ.

The Bible describes the life Christ gives His followers as:

•Transformed by His Spirit
•Obedient to His teachings
•Devoted to God’s glory
•Expressed through humble service
•Rooted in Christ’s own life

It’s a life that begins now and continues into eternity, shaped by His presence and empowered by His grace.

He's Dead, Jim

In the second chapter of James's letter to the "Diaspora," he asks a chilling question.

What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? (Jas 2:14)

It seems to me to be a rhetorical question. That is, the obvious answer ... indeed, the reason for asking the question ... is "No!", making it a dangerous question. "Is your faith a saving faith?"

James goes on to argue the point. He gives an example of someone who sees someone else in need and ... wishes them well ... without, you know, actually helping. Did they actually wish them well if they simply wished and didn't do? He goes on to say, "Even so ..." (as in, "In the same way ... ") "... faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself" (James 2:17). And that's the chilling part. James is arguing that there is a type of faith that is ... dead, useless, not saving. We learn that this faith may be spoken ("someone may say ...") or even correct ("You believe that God is one"), but it's not saving faith if it lacks a particular component. "You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone" (James 2:24). That is, faith is required for salvation, but not a faith that is alone; it must be a faith that changes us, that produces works.

It's said that we always act on what we truly believe. That seems to be what James is saying here. If you truly believe, you will act. Don't get lost in the terminology. He's not saying we're "justified by works" in the sense of "made right with God by works." This "justified" is the same sort that Jesus used when He said, "Wisdom is justified by her deeds" (Matt 11:19). The word means "to declare right," and in this case, the works declare that the faith is real. (The NASB translates the phrase, "Wisdom is vindicated by her deeds," recognizing that this is not the "made right with God" kind of justification.) How about you? Does your life indicate that your faith is living ... or dead? You can see it's a critical question since there is such a thing as "faith," both claimed and correct, that is dead and, therefore, useless.

Seeketh Not

I grew up with King James (the version, not the actual king ... I'm not THAT old), so a lot of Scripture is stuck in my head in King James. Like the "Charity" chapter where we learn cool things like "charity vaunteth not itself" (1 Cor 13:4) and "seeketh not her own" (1 Cor 13:5). (I didn't even know charity had a gender.) Imagine a 12-year-old reading "Charity vaunteth not itself" and trying to make sense of it. "Let's see ... when we give things to worthy causes, it shouldn't ... vaunt itself? I thought this was English." So, like, the New American Standard (1977 edition) offered, "love does not brag" and it was a whole new ballgame. "Oh! 'Charity' equals 'love' and ' vaunteth' equals 'brag.' Got it." Like some code translator.

You can see how language gave me a hard time back then. I get it. What I don't get is why we miss so much. If "love" is "a strong feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection," what in the world is Paul writing about (1 Cor 13:4-8)? Some makes sense. "Not rude." Sure, if you have strong feelings for someone, you won't be rude ... I guess. But "does not seek its own"? Don't we all seek our own? Isn't our standard question, "What's in it for me?" Don't lovers approach marriage with "Is he/she good for me?" Is that not the singular question of the human race? "What do I get out of it?" But this text tells us love does not pursue what it wants for the one giving love, but for the one being loved.

Try as we might, we don't seem to get this world's notion that "love is a warm feeling" out of our head. No thinking person can read Paul's description of love in the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians and conclude it is merely some kind of feeling. It's not rational. It makes no sense. Conversely, when you take the commands, for instance, to love God and love your neighbor, pull out "love" and replace it with the text in 1 Corinthians 13, it becomes huge. We're not talking about having affection for God and your fellow man. We're talking about a massive, selfless, giving decision to pursue the best for someone else ... beginning with God. It's all very clear ... and somehow we just don't seem to notice it ... almost every time we talk about love and God and our fellow human beings.

I Do Not Think It Means What You Think It Means

One of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite movies. "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." It kind of describes our entire society these days. Consider. "Virtual" is defined as "something that corresponds to reality." We've modified that to mean, "Something that isn't actually real." In a very, very similar way, "literal" is defined as "following the words of the original very closely and exactly" and we're using "literally" to mean "not really." We're literally using "literally" to mean "not literally."

Some are called "contronyms," words like "sanction" that means both "to permit" and "to penalize" or "oversight" which can mean "to supervise" or "to fail to notice." Then there are words that have shifted meanings like "moot" which once referred to things we need to examine further and now means things we don't need to discuss or "terrific" which once meant "causing terror" and now means "excellent." You see, we keep shifting language and soon we create our own "Tower of Babel" where language is just confused. It becomes a serious problem when those in power use them in contradictory ways. DEI is an acronym that means "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" ... virtually. In fact, it is mostly implemented by banning white men ... which is not diverse, not equitable, and not inclusive. We decry racism and argue that racism is limited to white people ... a form of racism. We castigate people for being judgmental ... which is a judgmental thing to do. We won't tolerate intolerance. We argue "love is love" and consider ourselves progressive when, in fact, we've simply shifted the definition and still block love that doesn't meet our criteria. (For instance, objectophilia, polygamy, polyamory, bestiality, etc. are all still "not love" because we've defined them that way ... which is the same thing they did when they banned interracial marriage.)

The world keeps telling us we're getting better and better. "Progress" they call it. God said, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" (Jer 17:9) and "Although they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened" (Rom 1:21). Is there any wonder we're in the state we're in? Is there really any question that the people of our day need Christ, a death to the old, a new heart?

Musical Magic

Paul wrote, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (Col 3:16). It's an interesting verse on the face of it. It begins with "the word of Christ" and having it "richly dwell within you." A very good start. And then it instructs us to teach and admonish with wisdom using ... music. Interesting.

It's interesting that the Old Testament prophets wrote a lot of what we have today in poetry form. The Psalms, as we know, were a "song book" for the Hebrews, but we don't realize that the prophets sang or chanted their messages. Habakkuk 3 is a prayer that ends with "For the choir director, on my stringed instruments" (Hab 3:19) because it was intended to be sung. Isaiah begins chapter 5 with "Let me sing now for my well-beloved ..." (Isa 5:1). In 1 Samuel 10, Samuel anoints Saul as king and tells him he will meet "a group of prophets coming down from the high place with harp, tambourine, flute, and a lyre before them, and they will be prophesying" (1 Sam 10:5). Elisha was going to prophesy to the king of Israel and asked for a musician (2 Kings 3:15). It's all over in the Old Testament. You see, they weren't a people of the book as much as an oral tradition, so they chanted and sang ... because chanting and singing helps remember. And it's interesting because music itself has a capacity to produce emotions and memories that aren't simply reasoned or conscious. Music makes us feel without requiring knowing why. Music, for instance, calmed the tormented king (1 Sam 16:23). Music impacts multiple parts of the brain ... the auditory cortex, the motor cortex, the emotional centers, the memory networks. Emotions imbed memories deeper than mere memorization. (Alzheimer's patients have been found to be able to sing hymns even after forgetting most everything else.) Music, it seems is an almost magical thing.

We often incorporate Scripture into our songs and almost inadvertently end up memorizing texts. I'd guess that you probably know more songs that are straight from Scripture than you realize are straight from Scripture. Paul says to do this ... wisely. From the word of Christ, have it dwell richly in you and do it with music. We often note and appreciate music for the emotions it evokes, and that's not necessarily a bad thing, but do we get the power of music that can embed God's Word in our hearts and alter our thinking? Do we intentionally admonish and teach with music? We're probably much better at "singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God" than teaching and admonishing one another with song. I wish more churches would consciously do that. You know ... because it's commanded.

News Weakly - 2/14/2026

(Look ... it's not my fault Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday. It's my "News Weakly" day and I'm going to pass on a "Valentine's Day" post. Try to bear up under the disappointment.)

Not Just "Them"
Sen. Marsha Blackburn is a Republican from Tennessee. She wants Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson investigated for attending the Grammy Awards. Why? "When a Justice participates in such a highly politicized event, it raises ethical questions." Like we don't live in a highly politicized nation where everything from entertainment to legislatures are highly politicized? Like Marsha Blackburn doesn't attend "highly politicized events"? Mind you, Jackson was nominated in the Best Audio Book, Narration and Storytelling Recording category, so she had a perfectly good reason to be there. Sometimes it's abundantly clear that insanity runs in the country, not just the Democrats.

We've Come a Long Way, Baby
In a definitive ruling, a judge has ordered that certain humans do not have the right to life thanks to a 2024 voter-approved constitutional amendment in Arizona. The original state constitution believed in the right to life for all humans, but we've moved on from that, fortunately. We've come a long way, baby ... well ... let's not say "baby" because they're the ones that will die more frequently, but ... hey ... that's progress, right? I am curious when we'll get advanced enough to allow women "autonomous decision making" regarding the lives of the rest of those around them. Can you say "postpartum abortion"? (In a similar story, the governor of New York has authorized euthenasia in the state. I'm not nearly as concerned about that one. I mean, I think youth should visit Asia ... and Europe and lots of places.)

Blah Blah Blah
Big news ... the Seahawks won the Super Bowl. As if it's significant in life. Like the wondrous events of the Winter Olympics. Moving on ...

Call Me "Baffled"
Here's an odd news item. Apparently the FTC is warning Apple CEO Tim Cook that his Apple News is using "political bias" in boosting left-wing sources and suppressing right-wing sources. Really? That's a "violation"? I thought it was "business as usual." From the printed and broadcast news media to the online stuff, it seems obvious that all sources provide a political bias. Gone are the days of the Walter Cronkites of yesteryear who just ... presented the news. Go ahead ... try to find an unbiased source today. Don't be ridiculous, FTC.

Forget Democracy; Let's Do Anarchy
As the dust up over actually enforcing immigration laws continues, two stories lit up this problem this week. In New Jersey, Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed an executive order Wednesday barring federal immigration agents from carrying out operations on state property. That is, the governor of New Jersey is banning the government from enforcing immigration on state property. Not only that, but the calls for defunding DHS are coming to fruition, too. The Senate failed to fund the Department of Homeland Security, leaving them to run out of funding this week, and it looks like a prolonged event. They required 60% to pass it. The Dems successfully blocked the funding effort. Don't expect immigration enforcement in the near future, and don't complain that Trump has failed to provide it. This is on the legislative branch.

Your Best Source for Fake News
After the success of Turning Point USA's alternative halftime show, churches are adding Kid Rock's hit, Bawitdaba, to their hymnals. (As a point of fact, something like 12 million viewers watched the alternative show. A YouGov poll said 35% of Americans preferred Bad Bunny while 28% preferred the alternative. The percentages of preference don't match the percentages of viewership.) However, since more people actually watched Bad Bunny's show performed entirely in a language most Americans don't speak, the next Super Bowl halftime show will be performed entirely in Sindarin Elvish in an effort to be inclusive of Middle-earthers. "Expanding the market" as usual. Finally, after a genuinely shocking shooting at a school in Canada, a Canadian reporterperson announced policepersons have identified the gunperson thanks to a tip from a mailperson.

Must be true; I read it on the internet.

(We now return you to your regularly scheduled Valentine's Day activities.)

The Hard Way

We Christians in particular tend to extremes. We're either the "righteous indignation" type ... the "moral superiority" kind ... or the "I'm a sinner, too, so I can't say anything about your sin" kind ... the "judge not" type. But ... Jesus suggests something different. He says, "First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye" (Matt 7:5). That's doing it the hard way.

We live with this tension in our lives and in Scripture. We're supposed to forgive (Matt 6:14-15; Eph 4:32; Col 3:13). Absolutely. And we're told, "He who is forgiven little, loves little" (Luke 7:47), so ... we're supposed to be ... more loving because we've been forgiven so much ourselves. There it is! See? Don't look at others' sins. I mean, isn't that exactly what Jesus did? When they brought that woman caught in adultery and then left, didn't He say, "Neither do I condemn you" (John 8:1-11)? That's a serious misreading of the text (that, by the way, doesn't exist in the earliest manuscripts ... making it unwise to build an entire doctrinal position on the text). Jesus said He wasn't in a position to be the person that would condemn her to death at that moment. He wouldn't be stoning her for adultery that day. He did not ignore or condone the sin. He specifically said, "Go and sin no more." That is, "You've been sinning up until now ... don't do it anymore." We, too, are called to first recognize and correct our own sin and then assist others in the same. We're called to forgive and love and "if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted" (Gal 6:1-2).

In the same way, we are commanded to speak the truth ... in love (Eph 4:15). Speaking the truth is fine and love is fine, but we rarely stick them together. We're to always speak the truth, but always with love ... a primary concern for the best interest of the other person. The hard way. We are not called to overlook sin and, thereby, condone and enable it. We are not called to correct everyone with pointing fingers and righteous outrage. We are also not called to ignore it. We're called first to love and, in that love, address our own sin and then theirs ... always with their own best interests in mind. It's the hard way ... but it's what we're supposed to do.

Making it Better

We're promised lots of good things in Scripture. Love, joy, peace. More than conquerors. The love of God. Grace, salvation, eternal life. Lots of good stuff. We're also promised some unpleasant stuff. The world will hate us. Everyone dies. There will be suffering. Lots of unpleasant stuff. It's all this stuff, however, that makes being a believer so important.

We live in a fallen world where disasters, natural or otherwise, occur often. People die. People suffer. Loved ones get sick. We have our own losses. So we need often to remind ourselves ... of God. We need to remind ourselves of Joseph's words to his brothers. "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (Gen 50:20). It's not, you see, simply, "He pulled us through." It's not "This awful thing happened for whatever reason, but we made it." No ... it agrees specifically that it was evil ... and God intended it for good. We need to remind ourselves what Paul says we know ... "that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Rom 8:28). We don't just survive ... we thrive. God makes every pain into an improvement on our lives. We're promised tribulation, distress, persecution, famine ... and we're promised "in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us" (Rom 8:37-39). (See also Romans 5:3-5, 1 Peter 1:6-9, and James 1:2-5). We can see that God can provide comfort in tribulation, but do we recognize that God is in the business of making our suffering a useful tool for making us better?

More than that, do we recognize that He's in the business of making our greatest blessings greater? We can find love in this world, but nothing compares to the love He gives (Psa 103:11; John 15:13; Rom 5:8; Rom 8:38-39; Eph 3:19). We can find joy in this world, but not the joy He gives (Psa 16:11; Neh 8:10; John 15:11.) We might have times of peace in our lives, but not like the peace He gives (John 14:27; Php 4:6-7; Isa 26:3; Col 3:15). He gives us eternal life ... with Him. Better. Just a small sampling. For all the difficulties in life, God makes them better. For all the blessings in life, God makes them better. Go ahead ... muddle through with your own small problems and pleasures. I'll take God's version any day.

Misunderstood

We like to think we have a good grasp of Scripture. Sometimes we don't. It's easy to pluck a verse out of context and make it say something it was never intended. Take, for instance, Hezekiah 3:7. "God helps those who help themselves." Okay ... obviously not in the Bible, but do you realize how many think it actually is? So let's look at a few passages that are so often misunderstood.

I've been told that John 3:16 used to be the most recognized verse, but now it's Matthew 7:1 ... "Judge not that you be not judged." It's typically used to prove Christians shouldn't judge. That's patently foolish since He clearly says, "First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye" (Matt 7:5). That is ... don't judge hypocritically (Matt 7:2).

Jeremiah 29:11 is very commonly snatched out of context and applied to mean, "God will make me prosperous." It's not. It's a promise to Israel in exile. The principle that God is faithful and does what is right and good remains ... just not the idea of a divine genie ready to serve up your wishes.

We've all heard, "Where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst" (Matt 18:20). Typically touted as a good reason to gather and pray, most people don't even realize it's a verse in the midst of Jesus's teaching about church discipline. That's right. When we are doing "church discipline," remember ... Christ is there. Because you know you don't need "two or three" to pray or study the Word or ... have Him present. It's an accountability reminder, not a promise of presence.

Paul wrote, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Rom 8:28), but we typically ignore the rest of his thought ... the good He's working it together for. "He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son" (Rom 8:29). That's why it's not just "good," but "good for those who love God. The "good" is Christ-likeness, not just a pleasant outcome.

That's a sprinkling. I hope you see some common threads. First, most of these errors are disassembled by simply looking at context. I mean ... immediate context ... the verses around it. Certainly all of Scripture ... because Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture. It is said that "a text without a context is a pretext." Then, there's the whole problem of "What I want to hear" verses "What it says." We need to let God be true though every man is a liar. We need to read God's Word for all it's worth ... not just all we want to get out of it.

My Advice to the Bridegroom

I have a sweet niece who's getting married this year. I found myself thinking ... what would I want to say to this young man by way of caring advice? She's a believer ... he's a believer. What particular "wisdom" would I want to impart? And Ephesians 5 came to mind.

Before I married my first wife, I had premarital counseling, and the counselor told me, "Remember, 'Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her ...'" (Eph 5:25). "Okay ...yeah," I told myself, "so, like if a burglar breaks in, I should give my life for her. I got it." But ... it wasn't long before she got mad at me and yelled out that she hated me. I'm there, working a night shift as a guard, wondering what went wrong, and that verse came back to me. "I should give myself ... for her?" When it was a loving wife ... easy. But ... one who hates me? But ... it says "as Christ loved the church" and Scripture clearly says, "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom 5:8), so ... yes ... even for a hostile wife. Fine. That's harder, but ... fine. It wasn't until much later that I discovered the rest. I had finished with Philippians and gone to Ephesians and read that same passage with echoes of Philippians 2 in mind. You know ... "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus ..." (Php 2:5-8). In that passage, Christ "emptied Himself" (Php 2:7)--same concept--became a servant, and died. And, the Ephesians text says I'm supposed to love my wife that way ... as Christ loved the church and ... gave ... self ... up. Empty myself. Set self aside for her best.

If husbands who follow Christ understood this, I think marriages would be transformed and lives would be changed. I think divorces would nearly vanish among genuine believers and the world would marvel at how we love each other. They might even think it's a bit crazy, but they couldn't deny the depth of a love like that ... a love that gives up self for his wife. And since Paul says that marriage like that "refers to Christ and the church" (Eph 5:31-32), I think it would also be a powerful testimony to the glory of God. That it's not the norm among believing husbands is sad. Sadder still is that it took me so long to see it and I'm still working on it. So ... dear bridegroom ... please ... learn this lesson soon and practice it often. Your one job as a husband is to give self up for her best interests. When you do that, you'll find an amazing marriage, regardless of the quality of the wife. Oh, and this woman you're marrying? She's of the best quality.

The Superstitious

I remember years ago I was leading a Bible study at a friend's house with a random group of people. It was Halloween week and we were discussing the concept and he and his wife shared that they believed Halloween actually belonged to Satan. It was strange to me. But I've noticed over time some things that are part of Christendom but not part of Christianity that seem pretty common. There is, for a lot of people, a ... Christian superstition.

You see it when we pray "... in Jesus' name, amen" as if the "incantation" produces answered prayer. That's not how Jesus meant it when He said, "If you ask me anything in My name, I will do it" (John 14:14). Asking in His name refers to asking on His behalf in His will (1 John 5:14-15). You see it when people use certain verses like magic spells. They might say, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Php 4:13) to bolster their efforts to ... complete a difficult task or obtain a specific goal. Maybe they quote Scripture like Christ did in the desert (Matt 4:1-11) to ward off evil. (Christ didn't ward off evil by quoting Scripture. He called on God by quoting Scripture.) Christians have long held affection for a "charm" in the form of a cross necklace. I've heard Christians "banish Satan" from a house or believe that an emotional feeling is the presence of the Holy Spirit. I know my friend is not the only one who believes that one particular day belongs to Satan.

Jesus warned against "empty phrases" and "many words" (Matt 6:7) in prayer. Instead, Jesus said, "Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him" (Mat 6:8). Paul wrote, "We do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words" (Rom 8:26). No ... not a "prayer language," but a spiritual intervention ... because our conversations with God are spiritual. In Acts 19, disciples tried to use "the proper techniques" to throw out demons ... with a bad outcome (Acts 19:11-16). Hezekiah destroyed the bronze serpent God had told Moses to make in the desert because the people worshiped it (2 Kings 18:4). Jesus said, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign ..." (Matt 12:39). Scripture repeatedly warns against this kind of spiritual superstition and calls us instead to a living relationship with Christ, not some magical unreality. We should probably begin to practice what Hezekiah did ... removing seemingly good things that have turned into "false idols" and images and return to a relationship with Christ built on actual reality rather than superstition. It's built on trust, on relationship, on sincerity and humility, on an alignment with God's will and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Not silly magic.

Feeling Sheepish

Sheep are prominent in Scripture. Isaiah wrote, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and YHWH has laid on Him the iniquity of us all" (Isa 53:6). Jesus warned, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matt 7:15). Jesus called Himself "the good shepherd" (John 10:11). David famously said, "YHWH is my shepherd" (Psalm 23:1). Because people need guidance and protection and have a tendency to wander into dangerous places.

Jesus warned that the disciples would scatter. "You will all fall away because of Me this night. For it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'" (Matt 26:31) But He offered some amazing benefits to us as sheep and Him as shepherd. He said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand" (John 10:27-28). Peter referred to the church as "the flock of God" and the elders as "shepherds" who were under "the Chief Shepherd" (1 Peter 5:1-4) so that "He may exalt you" (1 Peter 5:5-6). There is an intimacy with Christ as His sheep (Isa 40:11; John 10:14) and protection (Psa 23:2-5; John 10:7-10). As a sheep, Jesus is our salvation (Isa 53:7; John 1:29).

Sheep are pretty stupid sometimes, so we think of them as fairly low animals. I think I like the idea of being His sheep. There's protection and provision and even community. There's salvation and intimacy with Christ. Did you know that the reason you even believe is that you're His sheep (John 10:26)? So ... okay ... I'll gladly see myself as one of His flock under His shepherdship, His guiding and guarding and providing hand. I'm happy to feel sheepish in that sense.

News Weakly - 2/7/2026

Noses and Faces
Cities across the nation held anti-ICE demonstrations, demanding the removal and elimination of ICE. I do wonder how they'll feel when immigration enforcement is no more. I know it's been abused, but there are too many instances of people here illegally committing dangerous crimes that would never have happened if ... there was proper immigration enforcement. And we've seen the negative outcome when law enforcement is defunded and crime runs rampant. So ... let's try that again, right?

The Rabble Wins
The lawless advocates win. The Trump administration is removing 700 federal agents from Minnesota with an aim to completely removing all as soon as possible. Whatever we do, enforcing the law should be stopped and stopped immediately. We'll start with illegal immigration, reclassifying it as "not illegal ... just not legal," and then move on from there. We'll stop when there's no more need for law enforcement, I guess, simply by definition. That'll fix it. Just define everyone as "basically good" and move on.

Politically Correct?
The Supreme Court is allowing California to do what other states have been blocked from doing. They passed their proposition to further disenfranchise Republican voters and use their gerrymandered congressional maps to net 5 more Democrat seats. They did in in protest of Texas trying to do the same to favor Republicans, a clear case of double standards. Since the Supreme Court allowed Texas to do it, I suppose they had to allow California to do it. The state of politics today is deplorable.

On the Edge?
The US-Russia nuclear pact expired this week. Since the media operates on terror and crisis, we're all scared now the world might end in a sudden, unexpected nuclear exchange. The concepts of level-headed thinking and reporting facts are mostly dead and gone now, so we should all just find a government-provided hole and pull ourselves inside. Or maybe your favorite Amazon-purchased bunker. I'm sure glad I trust in God.

Your Best Source for Fake News
The ICE controversy goes on in the news. The Bee is reporting that the Winter Olympics are planning to protest Trump's immigration policies by removing ice from the skating rinks. I guess that goes great with all the Kennedy Center cancellations, doesn't it? Elsewhere this week, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz emerged from his den and declared 6 more weeks of rioting and fraud. Experts believe his forecast. Finally, with the whole indictment of Don Lemon (actual story), experts are warning that arresting journalists could be a slippery slope leading to arresting other people that deserve it like politicians.

Must be true; I read it on the internet.

Do You Want to be Healed?

Jesus approached a man laying at the pool called Bethesda. According to the text, he had been an invalid for 38 years. And Jesus asked what appears to be the most obvious question: "Do you want to be healed?" (John 5:1-7). I mean ... was that really a question?

Well ... yes ... it was. The man didn't actually answer His question. "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me" (John 5:7). Sure, "yes" is implied, but his answer was more to the question, "Why are you here?" than whether or not he wanted to be healed. We all suffer from this sometime. We moan about our condition and groan about our disabilities when, in fact, there are answers. That's because ... we're used to it. Like the proverbial kid who has played in the dirt in the gutters all his life, so isn't interested in going to the beach. We're used to substituting happiness for joy, romance for love, the world's meager best for God's best.

Do you ... want to be healed? Or ... do you prefer the crippling ways of the world? Do you want to be shaped into the image of His Son, or would you rather pursue what the Bible calls "the works of the flesh" (Gal 5:19-21)? Talking to Jesus is talking to the Healer. He's asking ... "Do you want to be healed?" Because the answer isn't as obvious as you might think. Will you give Him the reasons why you can't ... or will you ... "Get up, take up your bed, and walk"?

I Can Do What?

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Php 4:13)

That's one of those "poster verses." You know ... the kind you put up on the wall or tack on the mirror or have on you Bible cover. It's so heart-warming and encouraging and ... misunderstood.

Lots of Christians love that text and yank it entirely out of context to allow it to mean all sorts of things. More of a "positive thinking" exercise than its actual intent. What did Paul intend? Read the context.

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. (Php 4:10-12)

Paul defines "all things" in this text. It is rejoicing. It is learning to be content in any situation. It is learning the secret of facing plenty and hunger. Thus, this isn't about accomplishment, but contentment. It isn't about personal empowerment, it's about endurance. And, above all, it's not about self-confidence; it's about dependence on Christ. There's nothing in this about worldly success. It is a declaration of spiritual sufficiency in Christ.

I can hear some saying, "Really? Is that all?" Think about it. What is the big problem in the world today? "I want more." It doesn't really matter who. From the poorest to the richest, from the healthiest to the sickest, from the saddest to the happiest, we all want more. Imagine if that was replaced ... with contentment. How? "Through Him." In Christ. Christ empowers us. Christ strengthens us. Christ alone is sufficient. Anything else, as they say, is just gravy. We get so caught up in "stuff" and forget about the important things. God thinks contentment in Him is very important ... and He will do it.

What's In A Name?

I hear these songs about "the name of Jesus." There's "In Jesus Name" where they sing, "I speak the name of Jesus over you" and "No Sweeter Name" by Kari Jobe. There's "What a Beautiful Name" and Chris Tomlin's "The Name of Jesus." And you wonder ... if you're a bit off like me ... what's so special about "the name of Jesus." I mean ... in a humorous sense ... like "My gardener's name is Jesus"? But, seriously, is there actually something in the name?

No ... and yes. There is nothing particularly great in "Jesus" as a name. And, yet ... there is. The name means "YHWH saves." (The Hebrew name in the Old Testament is "Joshua.") Now, that is special. But, there's more. Paul wrote that because of His humility (Php 2:5-7), "God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Php 2:9-11). His name is ... "the name which is above every name." In what sense? Well, not because the spelling is so special or the word is beautiful. It's because of its value ... "Lord." That ... is the name above every name.

When we think of "Jesus" as "YHWH saves," as "God with us," there is no sweeter name. When we consider Him Lord and glorify God, there's power in that name. It's easy to be light in our celebration of Jesus's name, but when we're talking about a name that expresses who He is ... it actually is the name above every name.

Do Be Do

In Deuteronomy we read, "Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it" (Deut 12:32). There is a similar warning in The Book of Revelation (Rev 22:19), but that one specifically references "the words of the prophecy of this book." The object of this command is whatever God commands ... the Word of God. So ... what are we to make of it? Note, then, He says to "carefully do" whatever He commands.

On multiple occasions Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (e.g., Mark 4:9; 4:23; 7:16). Note that there are three categories in that built on two criteria ... hearing and not hearing, and ears and not ears. So, obviously, those who are in the "not ears" category are also in the "not hear" category. Who doesn't have ears? Those who are dead ... spiritually. After that ... there are those who have ears and don't hear and those who have ears and hear. What is Jesus hoping they will hear? "Whatever I command you," essentially. Hearing God's Word. So James wrote, "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves" (James 1:22). We can, then, not hear or hear, but beyond that, we must do.

The command in Deuteronomy is to do whatever He commands. Jesus told His disciples to make disciples, "teaching them to observe all that I commanded you" (Matt 28:20). "All." Fortunately, Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15), so loving Him perfectly will produce the desired result. But we need to both hear (James said not to be merely hearers, which means "Yes, be hearers, but don't stop there.") and do. Do ... be a hearer and ... do ... be a doer. (Thus the title.)