![]() ![]() But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” (James 1.22-25) For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. “ But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. The NT book of James provides the same admonition: This is a call to deep self-reflection using God’s word as the reference point. Who we are will eventually be evident to others as our words and actions reveal the content of our heart. It literally reads: “As in the water face to face so the heart of man to man.” The message is that the feelings and thoughts that come from our heart reveals our character just as our reflection in smooth water reveals our face. Interestingly, this proverb has no verbs. “As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.” This is what it means to “have dominion.” He calls you to be an agent of his kingdom in your sphere of responsibility. The Lord calls you to be faithful and diligent in your daily work at home, on your job, in the community, in the culture, and in the church. He has given you 20 square feet of his plan for planet earth. The Lord has given you a sphere of responsibility. This proverb is also a metaphor for God’s people being faithful stewards of their 20 square feet of the kingdom. It refers to those who pay close attention to their responsibilities at work. This is a word that means “to watch over, keep, or preserve.” The idea is careful watchfulness and diligent work, not grudging service. The word used for “guards” in the second part of this verse is the Hebrew word samar. If you take ownership of your “20 square feet” of the organization where you work, and you faithfully execute the organization’s strategy, your employer will be greatly appreciative. If you work hard and do your job, you will enjoy the fruits of your labor. This proverb teaches the principle of diligent work ethic and faithful stewardship. ![]() “Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who guards his master will be honored.” ![]()
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