January 24

“You have answered correctly,” Jesus said. “Do this and you will live.” — Luke 10:28 BSB

The problem with many people is not that they don’t know their duty—it’s that they don’t do it. They can answer all the right questions. They know the Scriptures by heart, can recite their catechism and creed without error, and are proud of their thorough knowledge. But when it comes to living out what they know, they fall short.

They know the commandments but fail to keep them. They can quote verses about honesty and truthfulness but aren’t honest or truthful themselves. They speak of Christ’s love, gentleness, and patience but fail to reflect any of these qualities in their own lives.

They talk about sending the Gospel to the lost, yet neither give money nor make any effort to reach others themselves. If doing were as easy as knowing, we would all be blessed indeed. How wonderful it would be if we tried to live out all the truth we know!

“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17)