Who Are You?

James 1:19-25 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; [20] for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. [21] Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. [22] But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. [23] For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; [24] for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. [25] But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.
Galatians 6:7-10 NASB95
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. [8] For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. [9] Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. [10] So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

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     I was never a fan of the original hit TV series called CSI.  That said, CSI had one of the most recognizable theme songs of all time.  "Who Are You?" by the Who.  It is a pretty catchy song.  The Bible actually has an answer to the question: You are defined by how you choose to live. 
     In American pop culture, most people are more concerned with how they are perceived by others rather than who they really are.  This duplicity is not helpful.  Who we really are is determined by the sum total of our actions.  This is why James pleads with us to be "doers of the word and not merely hearers who delude (deceive) themselves."
     The actions and decisions of our lives; the way we live out our Christianity needs to be in perfect alinement with who God has called us to be.  In other words, our faith needs to be reflected in and through the actions of our lives.
     Is this true?  What about God's grace?  God's grace saves us and covers us when we fail, but we cannot afford to use God's grace as an excuse to live life foolishly.  Paul warned of such folly.  "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap." 
     Both James and Paul warn us of self- deception.  How serious is the self-deception, and how deep does it run?  Jesus tells us that at the time of judgment, people will boast of their "Godly" exploits only to be told, "Depart from Me, you workers of iniquity."  Time to live what we say we believe!

Questions to Consider:

1. How does the idea of "sowing and reaping" work with the concept of grace?
2. The greatest danger to the self-deceived person is that they are unaware of their own short-comings.  How can we get an accurate measure of who we are?
   
3. What can you "do" to become a doer of the word rather than merely someone who listens?