Be doers of the word and not hearers only. They who look into the perfect law of freedom and persevere, who are not hearers who forget but doers who act, will be blessed in what they do. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.James 1: 22-27
The word of God is a seed planted in the heart of each of us. If it takes root and grows, it is not by our own doing, but by the Spirit of God who dwells in us. Like everything else about us, our faith is God's work, not our own.
But we have a role in the life of faith. The word is God's invitation to unredeemed man to be transformed into a new spiritual being open to his love. It was for this that God created us: to raise us from the lowliness of the earth to the fullness of his love. But it cannot happen unless we accept the invitation.
Once we are touched deeply by the word, we begin to change. We no longer live in ignorance. We become doers of the word. We begin to give up our own desires and place our trust in God's will. We allow God to guide all our thoughts and actions. The power of his love opens us to the needs of others. We begin to share God's care for the world. We begin to love as God loves. And in moments of grace we experience the indescribable peace of being close to God.
At such moments we cannot say that we have done anything on our own. We know that we can do nothing to deserve the abundant blessings God gives us. We can only be thankful for his gifts, and be open for more.
Lord God, if I have done any good today, it was when I gave myself up to your will, and allowed you to work in me. All my efforts would be in vain were it not for the few that had their beginning in you, and that you brought to completion. You have shown me in countless ways the greatness of your love. And so I commend myself to your care, and place all my trust in you.