In this sermon Pastor Chris uses humor and vulnerability to introduce the concept of "selective hearing"—both as a lighthearted relationship issue and a deadly spiritual condition that plagues the church. Drawing from James 1:19–27, he challenges believers to move beyond merely listening to God’s Word to actually living it out, emphasizing that true discipleship means being with Jesus, becoming like Him, and doing as He did. The sermon explores how pride, particularly expressed through unchecked anger and self-righteousness, stifles spiritual growth and prevents the Word from transforming hearts. It calls listeners to receive the Word with humility, recognizing themselves as deeply loved moral failures who are changed not by trying harder, but by allowing God's truth to shape their character and actions. Ultimately, James teaches that genuine faith is proven not by knowledge or emotion alone, but by compassionate action—especially toward the vulnerable—and by a righteousness rooted in God’s love, not human pride.