“Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” James 1:23-24
Recently, I started Scripture memorization. In my spiritual walk, this is a spiritual discipline that I have not practiced well. I read my Bible study and practice times of fasting, silence, and solitude. But I don't do Scripture memorization well. Perhaps it's because I'm getting older or because it's difficult to remember all the words.
In my most recent attempt, no matter how hard I tried to memorize the Bible verses, they wouldn't come. I made flash cards, studied daily, and wanted to embed them in my mind, but no matter how hard I tried, they wouldn't stick.
When I spoke to people in church or tried to write a devotional or article, I had difficulty remembering the verses and putting them in the proper context. Sometimes I misapplied it. I knew studying and memorizing the Word was essential to understand where and in what context it was being used. This way, when I was going through a difficult time, I could recall those verses hidden in my heart.
I am like someone who merely reads the Word but doesn't apply it. Many Christians believe they are Christians simply because they sit in a pew on Sunday or know a few verses. However, the spiritual life is just beginning. If someone wants a deeper life in Christ, they must do the work to aid their spiritual journey.
This involves doing the hard things, like Scripture memorization. This way, when they are in a trial, they can recall the verses and the truth of God's Word to help anchor them when life gets tough or a situation becomes difficult to discern.
When I look in the mirror, I examine my whole face. I take note of every wrinkle, flaw, and blemish. I apply makeup to the areas I want to conceal. I put makeup on to improve my facial features. I take steps to put on makeup when I must be at a formal event to make myself look my best. However, if I weren't aware of these flaws and weaknesses in my face, it would be fruitless for me to try to look my best.
In the same way, a person who hears the Word from a sermon but does not apply it to their life is doing the same thing. It becomes a fruitless endeavor. It doesn't allow someone to go deep into the Word of God like they should. This also robs them of an opportunity to know God deeply and intimately.
In the same way, looking in a mirror and then forgetting your reflection seems odd. Yet, it is the same in a Christian's life. We've made it commonplace not to do the work of becoming true disciples. It's like putting on makeup in the dark. The makeup will look silly because I don't remember what I saw or what places need to be covered up.
If we know God, we need to remember his Word. We need to apply it to our lives. We can't merely listen to a sermon, smile at the preacher, and continue as if nothing has changed. The Word of God is living and active. It is to illuminate our sins, bring us to repentance, and help us deepen our walk with God. If we're not doing that daily, we look just like a person who's put on makeup in the dark. We don't remember what we look like and appear downright foolish.
Remember the Word. Do as it says. Let it permeate deep into your soul. Do the work to become a deep disciple so you may go out into the world and proclaim the gospel.
Let's pray:
Father, let us be people who remember what your Word says. In the same way a person knows their facial features, we should examine our souls in light of God's truth. When we know the Word, we know you. Let us remember the Word so we can anchor ourselves to it daily. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/frankiefotografie
Related Resource: Praying Through Psalm 51: Restoring the Joy of Salvation
Can a heart stained by the worst kinds of betrayal ever truly be restored?? When the world demands justice, does God offer a different way back? In this devotional on Psalm 51, we step into the wreckage of King David’s greatest failure—the affair with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah. We move beyond a simple apology to uncover the specific Hebrew anatomy of David's confession: Pesha (rebellion), Avon (twistedness), and Hata'ah (missing the mark). We explore the shocking reality that under Mosaic Law, David should have faced the death penalty, yet he boldly asks God to "create a way" where the law offered none. If you’ve ever felt like your mistakes have disqualified you from God’s presence, or that you are not worthy due to your past mistakes, this episode offers a roadmap from guilt to gladness. Come ready to run toward the Father who doesn't just want your perfection, but your broken and contrite heart. If this episode helped you connect with God, be sure to follow Praying Christian Women on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Monday, 05 May 2025.
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