The metaphor we use of head and heart is not really a scriptural metaphor, but we are referring to a profound scriptural truth when we use it. James points to the truth that this metaphor of ours is highlighting when he talks about hearing the word and doing the word.
But there are certain lessons from Scripture that are easy for us to grasp in a head-kind-of-way, and others are slippery because they address fundamental heart issues. In the first category, we might place learning the names of the apostles, or memorizing the ten commandments, or figuring out how to trace the missionary journeys of Paul. Pretty straightforward.
But in the second category we would have to place truths like the following: that God likes sinners and delights to forgive them, that Jesus spent time talking with prostitutes and IRS men and offered the kingdom to them, that the kingdom of the heavens is not to be propagated by main force, that the least will be the greatest, and that children are just fantastic.
We have spent so much time getting our hair combed in orthodox and acceptable ways, the part on the side being as straight as the cunning of man can make it, and yet the Holy Spirit comes in a gust and blows everything all over everywhere. And we look in the mirror and say, “I can’t come to His Table looking like this!” Ah, but it is the only acceptable way for you to come. Do not come here because you finally have it all together. Those who do this are only kidding themselves.
But there is another temptation as well. Don’t think that if it is your duty to come here in this Spirit-created disheveled state that it somehow acceptable for you to attempt similar effects by yourself with your own hair drier. We have no autonomous control over what makes us acceptable. In our own wisdom, we cannot be put together, or taken apart. God is God—surrender it all to Him. And that means sitting down at this meal, in simple trust, now.