A Devotional on James 1:22: Moving Beyond Listening to Action
365 Mental Health Devotional Challenge: Day 20
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Devotional
James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word… Do what it says.”
Mental Health Insight – One of the hardest parts of self improvement is putting what we learn into action. Sanctification is a difficult journey because our flesh is so resistant to change that aligns with Christ. However, next time you want to take that reflection into action, let’s utilize “The 5-Second Bridge”!
Bridging the gap between spiritual intention and physical action doesn’t have to be difficult. Next time you are reflecting on a change you want to make identity one action you can take to implement said goal. Next, when you find yourself in a moment that tests you to implement that change, count down from 5-4-3-2-1 then DO!
Example: If you hear the Word say “forgive,” and you feel bitterness rising, you count 5-4-3-2-1 and on “1,” you pray for that person or speak a kind word. You don’t wait for the feeling, you are actively trying when opportunity arises.
Faith Connection – The Word of God is not just something to reflect on. It is the play book for our lives. Doing what God is teaching us, is the highest form of worship. We are actively inviting Christ into our daily lives to help guide each step we take despite the situation’s difficulties.
Reflection Question: What is one truth I have learned lately that I am currently over-thinking rather than simply obeying?
Prayer: Dear God, help me to be more than a listener today. I don’t want to just collect Your truths, but I want them to change how I live. When I am tempted to just agree with Your Word and move on, give me the strength to actually follow through. Move me out of my thoughts and into action so that my life reflects Your love and wisdom in everything I do. Amen.
Further Resources
Many of you have been asking for further resources that could potentially benefit you on your mental health journey. Below I have attached a book you might find beneficial surrounding this topic!
The 5 Second Rule: Transform your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage: Mel Robbins
Description: In The 5 Second Rule, Mel Robbins explains the science behind “the gap” between an impulse to act and the brain’s ability to talk you out of it. She details how counting backward—5-4-3-2-1—functions as a “starting ritual” that interrupts the brain’s habit of hesitation and shifts control from the emotional basal ganglia to the logical prefrontal cortex. This simple tool acts as a bridge to help you move past fear, bitterness, or laziness the moment your values are tested. Robbins demonstrates how this five-second window is the key to breaking bad habits and building a life of consistent, courageous action, perfectly mirroring the biblical call to move from “hearing” the Word to “doing” it.
Closing Thoughts
You have completed Day 20 out of 365 Days of our 2026 Mental Health Devotional Challenge. How cool is that! I hope you all are enjoying this as much as I am.
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I hope you all have the best and most blessed day!
Sierra Stratman MSW LMSW U/S PhD Student
Disclaimer
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), but I am not your therapist. The information provided in this blog post, including book recommendations and mental health insights, is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute a therapist-client relationship, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.