Learning to Welcome God’s Word into My Life

In review of James 1:21 today, I'm read, “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” (NIV)

James advises me to get rid of all that is wrong in my life and "humbly accept" the salvation message I have received, because it alone can save me.

In America, I can find the Bible all over, from grocery stores to motel rooms, in all shapes, sizes, styles, and translations. You can hear and read parts of it on the radio and TV and in books and magazines. While it’s everywhere, many still miss the blessings of it.

Why? Because its blessings are not automatic. James 1:21 says that to be blessed by the Bible, I have to “accept the word planted in me” (NIV). The word “accept” in that verse comes from a Greek hospitality term that means “to welcome.” If I’m going to be blessed by the Word of God, first I must welcome the Word into my life.

James provides four specific attitudes I need in order to welcome God’s Word.

First, be careful. He says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19 NIV). God gave me two ears and one mouth; I ought to listen twice as much as I talk. Being quick to listen and slow to speak gives me a careful attitude that’s ready to receive God’s Word.

Second, be calm. The next part of James 1:19 says, “and slow to become angry” (NIV). When I’m angry, I can’t hear much. But a calm attitude increases receptivity. When I’m getting ready to hear the Bible, whether that’s at church or in my own reading, take some time to prepare and make my heart calm, so that I’ll be able to hear God when he speaks.

Third, be clean. James tells us to “get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent” (James 1:21 NIV). The word “filth” here is actually a Greek word meaning “earwax.” When I have sin in my life, it blocks my hearing of God’s Word.

I clean out that filth by confession. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 KJV).

Fourth, be compliant. James says you should “humbly accept the word planted in you” (James 1:19 NIV). Be teachable and surrender to God. If you come to the Bible with a know-it-all attitude, his Word can’t get through. Come to the Bible with a willingness to be changed.

In summary, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you. This means I need to be ready to welcome the blessings of God’s Word into my life, I need to come with a careful, calm, clean, and compliant attitude. This will prepare me to receive God’s Word and welcome the blessing that it promises.

Father I must admit, that I’m not always careful, calm, clean or compliant when I study your Word. This morning I pray that I keep these things in mind for my quiet times with you. I ask for assistance from the Holy Spirit to keep this in mind. I also pray for wisdom and guidance for today's activities, tasks, meetings, leadership and interaction with others. I feel as if I’m not going to hear from my boss something that will make me happy. Prepare my heart to listen, consider and not become defensive. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, Amen.