But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth]. James 1:22 (AMPC)
To obey the message or to be a doer of the Word is to act on it.
It is to act like God’s Word is true.
When He says “fear not” we respond to situations with “I fear not” “I shall not fear” Psalms 27:1(NKJV) The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD [is] the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
We shouldn’t object saying I can’t help but fear. It’s only human to fear. That’s reasoning contrary to the truth.
Human reasoning or sense argument, explanation, and conclusion is the foremost cause for not obeying the message or doing the word.
Peter and his fellow fishermen partners had toiled all night and hadn’t caught any fish. Then Jesus comes, borrows Peter’s boat, and after teaching from it, He tells Peter to let down his nets for a great catch of fish. But Peter basing on what had happened the previous night reasoned contrary to the truth – the Word Jesus spoke to him.
When we argue, make explanations, excuses, and conclusions based on what has happened or is happening in the natural we cannot and will not be doers of the Word. We are merely listeners to it, betraying ourselves into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth.
As for Peter there had to happen a metanoia moment for him – a change of mind. He changed from “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing” Luke 5:5a to
“nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” Luke 5:5b
When Peter did that, acting on the Word of Jesus, they caught a lot of fish just like they had been told. Luke 5:1-11.
Consider and honor the Word of God above your reasoning and feeling, that’s how you will end up obeying and doing it.