I’ve read about people having out-of-body experiences, even one man encountered hell, all coming back completely changed from their old way of life. A lot is made of this phonomenal experience. Debates are ensued. People scratch their heads. Questions are raised.

Maybe somewhere along the way I missed the rest of the story. I find it ironic that rarely have these spiritual encounters given these individuals an urgent need to preach the Gospel of Christ.

Have we been deceived? Has a little bit of truth tainted the whole message?

“Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deed is useless?” (James 2:18-20)

How can you have an out-of-body experience and not feel an urgent need to share the good news of Jesus and delve deeper into God’s word?

Are we trapped in the miracle instead of the message?

“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 a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:22-25)

An exemplary life requires that we surrender, seek forgiveness, be obedient, and love one another. If you’ve ever questioned how you should live your daily life, read the entire book of James. But don’t deceive yourself. You must not only read it, you must also do as it says. Once you do, you’ll experience an enormous amount of freedom in Christ Jesus. A weight will be lifted. Your joy restored.

Think on this:  Have you hidden the word of God in your heart and done nothing with it? Could that be why you’re so unhappy?

Read:  James 1-5

Pray:  God, please help me to die to self and live for you. My daily life has not been what it ought to be. Lord God please help me thirst for you.