In James 1:21, we are given an amazing command, which I
think we often overlook, or mistake to mean something different. We are told to “receive the Word,
implanted...” There is so much in this
little 4 word phrase, that it will take a bit of time to unpack it. However, before this direct instruction,
this passage tells us what condition our heart must be in, for us to be able to
“receive the Word...” Difficult, but
absolutely necessary truth about how our hearts must be prepared, or we are
unlikely to have any success at all in being changed by God’s truth.
Before the direct instruction, the passage tells us that
receiving the Word requires “putting aside all filthiness, and all that remains
of wickedness...” What is this
filthiness and wickedness? It is
whatever God views as opposed to Him and His standards. Filthiness is that which God would see as
morally dirty, or stained, or vile.
Wickedness might best be translated today as “all of the badness” in a
person.
This passage also makes clear that it is referring to the
filthiness and wickedness that is inside of EACH OF US. This is a personal list, and yours might
look somewhat different than mine. What
types of things fit this? Lustful
thoughts and actions. Manipulative
thoughts and actions. Self serving
thoughts and actions. Anger and envy
and selfishness. These are just a
few. What would make your personal
list? I know we really don’t like
identifying the actual, specific things in our lives that stand in our way of
closeness with God. However, we will
never grow by accident or casualness.
We have to look intently, and purposefully address the specific struggles
we have.
This passage shows that if you don’t set them aside, you
won’t be able to receive the Word.
And why is that true?
Because these things will stand in opposition to what the Word will be
directing you toward. If you are
holding on to your sinfulness, you won’t have the capacity to take ahold of the
Word. It is as if you were holding a
rock that is so heavy that you need both hands to hold it. Someone says, “Let go of the rock, and take
ahold of the rope.” You’d like to keep
hold of the rock, and grab the rope, but both are not possible.
So, first off, you need to decide if it is worth it to you
to put down the things in your life that will keep the Word from changing you,
specifically the filthiness and wickedness in your life. Your fooling yourself if you think you can
hold both. So “put it away” from
you. I believe this is one major reason
the Word of God doesn’t change our lives.
Let go of the junk, so that you can take ahold of the Truth.
Next, James says that you need to “humbly” receive the
Word... So, what does humility have to
do with receiving the Word?
Everything. Humility means
putting aside your pride. Your pride
says, “I will do things my way.” When
we approach the Bible in pride, our attitude is often, “I want to filter this
truth, and apply it to my life as I think I should...” The problem is, God doesn’t give us
suggestions. The Word of God is to be
received as HE intends it, not as we want to filter and adjust it.
Putting your pride away from you means giving up
control. It means not holding on to
your plans for your future, for how your life is, and how you are. It means not trying to control how others
see you. Self protective desires and
actions probably fit into this as well.
Humility means trusting God with your personal and social safety, as
many things that the Word tells us to do will make us feel vulnerable. Our pride feels very protective but it keeps
us from the transformation that God’s Word can bring to our live.
Coming to the Word in pride means you are not “receiving”
the Word, but maybe, at best, hearing the Word. Pride, like the rest of our sinfulness, has to be let go of, in
order to grab ahold of the Word, to receive the Word.
What’s the point?
Come to the Word knowing that this is God’s specific instructions for
your life. It is the key to life, and
to abundant life. Know and realize that
His way is always the way of life, and whatever parts of your flesh you want to
hold on to only makes your life worse.
God’s Word will only be effective if you are willing to surrender all
areas of your life to it. If you want
to pick and choose, it won’t be effective in any area, because that is not how
it works.
God, I want to let go of all my ways, and come to You and
Your Word with fully open arms. I want
your truths to rule and govern all of my life.
Please teach me Your truth, because I know it will change my life.
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