Just Do It!

“And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain.” Ezekiel 33:31 ESV 

The phrase “just do it,” was made popular by Nike and became a trademark of their shoe company in 1988. It is one of the core components of Nike's brand. This phrase also has a spiritual application when it comes to responding to the Word of God when we hear it. 

Have you ever noticed that people don’t really like being told what to do? Maybe it’s their independence or basic human tendency to rebel against someone speaking into their lives. As a pastor I have wrestled with this issue over the years of ministry. Too often people hear a message, know what they should do, but fail to follow through. They may hear the Word of God, even be challenged, cry and admit they need to change yet fail to obey the Word. Now either I could conclude, “What’s the use and keep quiet,” or I can faithfully declare the Word of God in spite of their response. I am always thankful and rejoice for those who do respond, but am grieved and concerned for those who don’t.

Ezekiel had to have tough skin to endure the rejection of people because of his message. He brought a strong message to an obstinate people, and was faithful to the call of God on His life. As a pastor I want to remain faithful to the call of God to the very end, regardless of the response of the people that He called me to minister to. The Apostle James addressed this issue by challenging the hearer, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22 ESV. Failure to be a doer of the word will result in self-deception. 

The reference to lustful talk in Ezekiel 33:31 refers to fleshly desires that conflict with God’s desires. Often, the reason people hear what you say but don’t do it is because of wrong desires that are influencing their lives. 

TODAY’S PRAYER

Lord, thank you for strengthening us to be among those who respond to and act upon your Word when we hear it. Let us not be among those who neglect to act upon it or fail to just do it. 

God Bless,

Pastor Matt