“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 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. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it – not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it – they will be blessed in what they do.” (James 1:22-25)

I will have to admit, when I first came across this verse I thought it was one of the strangest analogies to use. But as I thought more about it, maybe that was the point. I imagine it would be hard for anyone to forget what they look like, and even more difficult to forget just moments after looking at your face in the mirror. So is it possible that James is using that level of ridiculousness as his case for not dismissing God’s word just after reading it? Well I’m not sure if we will know until Christ Jesus’ return, but I think it’s safe to say that James wanted his readers to retain and use the word of God. A modern day example that’s equivalent to James’ is like pulling out a map while you are hiking in the woods. Looking at the map, figuring out which way to go, and then putting the map away and walking in the opposite direction. James is saying that as ridiculous as these things would be to do, it is just as crazy to read the bible and not live by it. So maybe you already read the bible daily, or will be starting a bible reading plan in this new year. Either way, be sure to read it “not forgetting what [you] have heard, but doing it.”