“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22)
Man lives by every word that proceeds from God’s mouth. Hearing from God is truly a matter of life and death. The first thing we need to hear and apply are the things that God has already spoken. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. He spoke words of life and truth. He sat His disciples down on the mount and taught them. If we would apply the words He spoke, especially those from the Sermon on the Mount, how blessed would our lives be? But truth lies fallen in the street. Those who call themselves by Christ’s name don’t bother to know, let alone live by the things He has instructed us. Is it any wonder that we are left reeling at times?
Walking with God requires real diligence. It means you are ever lifting up your soul to God and saying: “Show me Your ways. Teach me Your paths.” Only with that hunger and thirst for righteousness will you be filled. He will teach you and instruct you in the way you should go. But that way will always be an application of His Word to your situation. He will quicken you in His word, His wisdom, and His way that is higher and better than your own way.
The man who is truly blessed is the man who lives by the word of God. That word is in the pages of the Bible. It can be found in the words and example of Jesus. But if we are to reap its benefits it must find its way into our heart and mind and actions. The Word must be made flesh in our lives.