Learners vs Doers: Which Is Better To Be?

We all know the saying, "actions speak louder than words." But how often do we actually live our lives according to that truth? We can talk about wanting to make a difference and wanting to help others like Jesus did, but if we're not taking action on those things, they're just empty words.

The Bible has a lot to say about being doers of the Word rather than just hearers or learners. In James 1:22-25, we're told that faith without works is dead. And in Romans 2:13, it says that those who hear the law but don't obey it are committing a sin. So clearly, God wants us to be doers of His Word, not just hearers.

But what does this actually look like in reality and practical terms? How can we make sure that we're living out our faith and obeying God's Word? Here are some reference scriptures to study and tips on how to overcome procrastination and make a plan of action.

Types of Learning Styles

Learning about the Word of God is an important first step to being a doer of that same Word. How you approach biblical study can play an important role in how successfully you can understand, absorb and act on the information you're reading.

There are several different styles of learning, and it's a good idea to determine which type you are before diving head-first into scripture.

Visual Learning

Visual learners are people who understand, process, and retain information best by seeing it. They often prefer to see information in order to understand and remember it. For visual learners, pictures, charts, and graphs can be helpful in understanding concepts.

Auditory Learning

Auditory learners absorb information and understand it best by hearing information read aloud. They may like to listen to lectures or audiobooks instead of reading printed materials. For auditory learners, it can also be helpful to read materials out loud or to listen to music while studying.

Kinesthetic Learning

Kinesthetic learners are people who learn best with a hands-on approach. They often prefer engaging in activities or tasks to figure out what they need to do next. For kinesthetic learners, it can be helpful to take breaks during study sessions to move around and get the body moving.

What Does The Bible Say About Learners vs Doers?

The Bible is very clear about being doers of the Word, and that simply listening to what God has to say isn't enough.

James 1:22 & Romans 2:13

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." -- James 1:22

"For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous." -- Romans 2:13

James 4:11-12

Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

Matthew 25:40

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’"

Matthew 7:21-23

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

There are a few key things we can take away from these verses. We know that we must read and listen to begin learning what the Word has to say, and that we have the responsibility to put those things into action. But we can also extrapolate what exactly it is we should be doing.

In James, we are cautioned not to slander each other or judge one another for missteps along their journeys. The Word is clear that judgment is an act reserved for the Lord alone and that to take part in it causes us to fall away from God's commandments.

Jesus tells us in Matthew that whatever we do to our fellow humans, we are also doing to him -- both good and bad. The manner in which you treat others is the manner in which you are treating Jesus, which is a sobering thought indeed. Matthew is also clear that there will be many people in Heaven on the day of redemption who will cry out to God, saying that they followed His commandments, only to be rejected for never actually doing what they were supposed to.

How Can This Apply to My Life?

So how can you apply these biblical principles to your life? First, it means that we need to be aware of the human tendency to procrastinate when something has to get done. It's easy to fall into the trap of putting things off "until later," but the Word advises us to be diligent in overcoming this temptation.

One way you can start is to create a plan. Having a specific plan of action can help you stay focused and on track. Make sure to break down your goals into small and achievable steps so you don't get overwhelmed. And most importantly, don't forget to check in with yourself from time to time to see what's working, what isn't, and what you can be doing to better align with God's intent. Then, it's time to take action.

Sometimes the most difficult part of making changes to meet new goals is just getting started. But once you take that first step, it will be much easier to keep going. So if you're feeling stuck, just take one small action and see what happens.

Plan a Visit to Chicago Church

Chicago Church understands the different abilities and needs of people when it comes to learning scripture, absorbing it, and taking action. We offer audio and video messages online and hands-on activities at our church home to help people seeking God reach Him in ways that work best for them. Contact us today to plan your visit.