The Bible says that we ought to be doers of the word and not mere hearers of it, lest we deceive ourselves (James 1:22). Jesus likened the man who does what he hears of the word of God to be like the wise man who built his house on a rock (solid foundation) (Matthew 7:24). While it is important to recognize that we are saved solely by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, and not by any of our own works (Ephesians 2:8), we are called to do good works (Ephesians 2:10) – works that glorify God the Father, who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16). We must not only hear, for faith comes by hearing, but upon our response to Christ Jesus’ call, we must be busy in God’s kingdom business, of reconciling man unto God (2 Corinthians 5:20), by doing his will and not our own in our lives (Luke 22:42). In other words, we must act on our faith, by faith, for faith without action is dead (James 2:17)

Points to ponder:
One knows that time is counting when they see the hands of the clock busy and moving. In the same manner, one will know that the time of our life counts when they see our hands busy and moving, working for the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us not waste our lives. Just like the builders in the time of Nehemiah, took on one hand, weapons and with the other carried materials to do the work of God (Nehemiah 4:17), we must take on the word of God (which is the weapon (Sword) of the Spirit) on one hand, and work for the Lord with the other. Jesus’ hands were pierced so ours did not have to be. The least we can do is use our hands to work for him. The word of God and the work of God go hand in hand, and our hands must be busy for God, with both.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (KJV)
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

James 1:22 (KJV)
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Proverbs 18:9 (KJV)
9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

Nehemiah 4:17-18 (KJV)
17 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.
18 For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.