Communication over text messaging is an interesting thing. Conversations can end just as quickly as they can start. Other conversations may never get off the ground. An example of the latter is when someone is “left of read.” This is when someone sends a message but does not receive a response. While the recipient of the message may purposely choose not to respond, some messaging applications will show the sender that their message was “seen” or “read.” This could leave the sender feeling disrespected, confused, or hurt.
As I mentioned above, communication over text messaging is an interesting thing.
When we look at how God communicates to us, I believe that scripture is the primary way he does it. Scripture is essentially God’s message to us. And not unlike the recipient of a text message, we can read God’s message and choose not to respond.
James 1:22 reads, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (New International Version). Call me lazy, but I do not think that this passage needs much explanation or exegesis. This passage is simply instructing us to do two things:
- Read Scripture.
- Obey Scripture.
When we read scripture but do not obey it, it is as if we have left God on read. How do you think this makes him feel?
May you not merely read God’s message, but also respond to it.
Nick Chellsen 