As Christians, pastors and teachers share powerful truths with us each Sunday. We sit in church, listen attentively to the sermon, and let the scriptures and teaching inspire us. But here’s the problem: Many of us step out the doors on a Sunday morning and quickly forget what we learned. We go back to our regular routines and the lessons of the day seem to fade away.
Why does this happen? How do we go from feeling convicted in the pew to living like it never happened? The issue isn’t the message. It’s how we choose to live out what we learn.
The Disconnect
The apostle James warns us in James 1:22-25 that hearing the Word is not enough; we must be doers of the Word. He compares those who hear but do not apply it to someone who looks in a mirror and then immediately forgets what they saw. The Word of God, when properly received, should change us, shape us, and lead us to live differently.
But, let’s be honest—how many times do we walk out of church feeling inspired, only to find ourselves back in the grind of the week, forgetting the very lessons we just heard? It’s easy to nod along, agree with the pastor, and even feel a sense of conviction. But when we walk out those doors, we don’t always carry that sense of purpose with us. We let the pressures of daily life drown out what we’ve learned.
The Call to Live Out What We Are Taught
Living out the Word isn’t something that should be saved for church alone. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors, not just when we’re surrounded by other believers. He called us to live out our faith in every area of life—whether we are at work, school, or in our homes. Our faith should affect how we treat others, how we manage our time, and how we make decisions.
But it’s not always easy. Life is demanding, and it can feel like there’s little room to put into practice what we’ve learned. But, this is where the true transformation happens. The Christian life isn’t about a Sunday experience; it’s about living out our faith every single day.
How to Live What You Learn
Here are a few simple ways to ensure that you don’t forget what you’ve learned:
- Reflect on the Message – Take a few moments after the sermon to reflect on what stood out to you. What spoke to your heart? What can you apply to your life this week? Write it down, and let it be a reminder to live it out.
- Pray for Help – Ask God to help you live out the truths you’ve learned. We can’t do it on our own. We need His guidance and strength to walk in obedience.
- Share with Others – When you share what you’ve learned with someone else, you make it real. Talk about the sermon or the passage of scripture with a friend or family member. It keeps the message fresh in your mind and encourages others to live it out as well.
- Commit to Change – Sometimes, the reason we forget what we’ve learned is that we’re not willing to change. Be open to the ways God wants to stretch you and help you grow. Living out our faith requires intentional effort and a willingness to change.
- Stay Accountable – Having someone to check in with can help you stay on track. Ask a trusted friend or mentor to pray with you and hold you accountable for living out the truths you’ve heard.
- Bring Back the Worship – Keep the worship alive all week by listening to the songs from church. Music powerfully reminds us of God’s presence and truth. Let it uplift and inspire you—whether commuting, working, or at home, let worship be your soundtrack, keeping you focused on Him.
Don’t Let Sunday Be the End
We are called to be living examples of Christ’s love and truth. When we forget what we learn as soon as we walk out the door, we miss the opportunity to be the light He calls us to be. Let the truth of the gospel change not just what we believe, but how we live. Don’t let Sunday mark the end of your spiritual growth—let it start a week where you live out what you’ve learned every day, everywhere you go.
God has equipped us with His Word not just to hear but to live. Let’s make sure we’re not forgetting it once we walk out those church doors.
Call to Action:
Take a moment to reflect on this past Sunday’s sermon. What is one thing you can do this week to apply it to your life? Maybe start by adding a worship playlist to your daily routine. Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s encourage one another to live out the Word of God together.
White Bible Tabs with Gold Large Print
I use these Bible tabs to quickly find books of the Bible, and they’re beautiful! Easy to apply, durable, and make Bible study so much more convenient.
