The Depressed Comedian

Daily Devotional – Thursday, April 11, 2024
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
James 1:22 (NKJV)

A man went to see a counselor, hoping to get assistance to deal with chronic depression. After several unsuccessful counseling sessions, the psychotherapist said, “I think I know the person who can help you. He is a comedian who comes to our hospital often and has helped many patients through his relaxing humor. I will ask for his contacts and link the two of you.”

The Healing Clown

The patient did not respond. He stared blankly at the ceiling, lost in his thoughts.
“Hey. Did you hear what I said?” The therapist asked the dejected man.
“Yes, I did,” said the patient firmly.
“Will you try the treatment I am recommending?”
“I am afraid; I won’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because I am the comedian you are referring to.”

Oftentimes, we are like this comedian. We read the word of God and appear to know it well. We even teach others to apply it in their lives. Our preaching, teaching, counseling, and encouragement help others overcome their spiritual and material challenges.

The Depressed Comedian

On the other hand, we fail to apply the same lessons to ourselves. We grapple with problems whose solutions we have in the Bible. We are rich in theory but poor in practice. If Elder James was alive, he would admonish us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22).

Take a moment today to reflect on the relationship between the Biblical truth you possess and how faithfully you live by it. Are you just a hearer of the word or both a hearer and a doer? What difference would it make in your life if you lived by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord?

Prayer
Dear God, make me both a hearer and a doer of your word.