Down To Earth Viewing!

When a child wants to get a closer look at something on the ground, they have no hesitation in getting down on their hands and knees or even laying flat in the dirt to get as close a look as possible. Though the older we get the less likely we might be to get down that low -- especially when it becomes more difficult to get back up -- still STOOPING for a CLOSER LOOK does provide a better view.

When it comes to inspecting our life, James urged. . .
"(22) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (23) 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. (24) For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. (25) 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 ESV)

In this passage James used two different Greek words translated "looks". In verses 23 and 24 James used the word "katanoeo" for looking in the mirror and at self. This is an intensive form of a word meaning to perceive, as in the mind apprehending certain facts about something. However, in verse 25 (which is where I really want to draw the attention) the Greek word used by James is "parakupto" which literally and primarily means "to stoop sideways" (a compound of "para" meaning aside and "kupto" meaning to bend forward). It is a word literally used in the Gospels for when Peter and John raced to the tomb and STOOPED TO LOOK inside ( Luke 24:12 & John 20:5) as well as for when Mary looked within ( John 20:11). James used this word metaphorically for the intense manner in which we ought to look into God's "perfect law" -- His Word, the mirror for our soul -- and see what is reflected with regard to our life.

STOOPING FOR A CLOSER LOOK! Not just a glance! Not merely taking a peek! We are to look very intently for what is revealed. It is the one who does this that comes away able to wisely apply God's commands and life principles to daily living and so be blessed in the doing. May we persevere in the looking and the living!

Have a great day APPLYING THE WISDOM OF HEAVEN TO LIVING ON EARTH!
Carl

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