Do What You Know

The Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.

1 Corinthians 4:20

Don’t be satisfied just to know the language of the faith, or even just to understand the doctrines of the faith. It is the doing of the faith that marks you as a true Christ follower. After having taught his disciples, Jesus said, “Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them” (John 13:17).

Letting the truth we know transform the way we live translates into blessings—or living in a state of blessedness, living fully supplied, fulfilled.

What if you did everything you know? When I ask myself that question, I have to admit that on many occasions I know things I don’t do. Throughout the day as you interact with others, as you make choices, as you walk out the details of life, ask yourself, What would happen if I did everything I know? Right now, what do I know that I’m not putting into practice?

This is not a legalistic, rule-following, stress-inducing call to obedience. Rather, it is a call to freedom and safety. Living out the Word is how we put down deep roots. Doing what we know is the strategy for a life with a firm foundation—a life that is not rickety and flimsy and susceptible to the storms of life. It is living in God’s power.

Jesus said, “Why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built” (Luke 6:46-48).

What we put into practice is knowledge. Everything else is just information.

Lord, I want to live in your power. Really live in it. I don’t want to be all talk. Nudge me when I’m talking one way and living another.

I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.

Leonardo Da Vinci(1452–1519), Italian Renaissance artist, inventor, mathematician, engineer