James 1:25 says, “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”
John Hancock is known for his signing of the Declaration of Independence. The phrase, “Sign your John Hancock right here” is well known. Some may know that he became president of the First Continental Congress. He was successful as a business man and a politician, and he was wealthy. Above all these things, he was a strong fighter for American freedom. He was known as a leader of the Sons of Liberty. In 1775, the British troops were ordered to kill John Hancock (information from the Founder’s Bible, by David Barton).
It is one thing to sit around and talk about something, and another to do something about it. We find many who talk about Salvation—the free gift—yet when it costs them something, when they are called to stand up and do something about it, they remain seated. I have found myself in this deplorable state too often.
When James is talking about the Law of Liberty, he refers to a man that does a deed and receives a blessing. We certainly cannot buy our salvation any more than Simon could buy the power to lay hands on people and they would receive the Holy Ghost (Acts. 8:19).
James calls us into the “perfect law of liberty.” This perfect law has a freeing element to it. It has a blessing with it. It Is our opportunity to express our love to One who died for us. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Love compels us to action. There is no love without action.
In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25), Jesus said to two of the servants, “Well done.” He did not say “Well heard,” “Well believed,” or “Well understood.” The whole idea of a servant is that they serve.Â
We may have every intention of serving or being a doer of the work. In James 1:22-24, we see a picture of a man looking into a looking glass. This is very much like looking into the Bible in the morning and sizing ourselves up. We may see a change we need to make in our behavior. We may see something that we need to do for the Lord. We make a note of it and determine to take care of it. We hear the word, only to go into the day and soon forget all about it.
Let us ask the question, “How can I be a doer of the work?” James gives us the key when he says, “continueth therein.” A cup of cold water may be today’s assignment. Wherever Jesus walked, He found men in need. Feeding 5,000 or talking with a woman at the well, Jesus was a doer of the work. Of course, He became tired at times. He realized how important His mission was, however. In John 8:59, the Jews cast stones at Him, maybe hit Him. He passed by, and in the next chapter He encountered a blind man. After being stoned, we would probably withdraw for awhile and complain or lick our wounds. Jesus continued on. His attitude is expressed in John 9:4, “I must work the works of him that sent me while It is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”
Paul encourages us to look to Jesus while running the race (Hebrews 12:1-3). Jesus ran with the joy set before Him. We can endure the contradiction of sinners and not faint. We can find a blessing in our work that God calls us to. We are compelled by passion and joy. It works, this perfect Law of Liberty!
