James 1:21-22 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. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Verse 22 is justly famous, but I have paid very little attention to verse 21 in the past. Anyone who is clinging to filth and the evil that fills modern society isn’t going to have a heart, or ears, for that matter, to accept the Word of God. The NIV says to accept it “humbly,” but the Japanese says to do so “with childlike simplicity.” All too often we over-analyze Scripture with at least a subconscious motivation to find a way around it. That’s not really accepting it! It is in that context that we have the next verse, which says that failure to apply the Word of God is self-deception. Looking at it that way, it is clear that we are all grand masters at self-deception! We are all quick to read or hear a passage, nod sagely and think or say, “That’s really good,” and then stop with that. That’s not receiving the Word. It is only when we apply the Word to our lives, seeking honestly to put it into practice, that we are allowing it to be planted in us fully, so that we may reap the good fruit of salvation that it offers.

This is a lesson that I’ve been slow to learn, and I’ve suffered for my slowness. I am often reminded that I first read the Bible through by age 10, but I am still learning to apply it. Sometimes my very familiarity with Scripture keeps me from receiving it with childlike simplicity, because “I know that.” That’s no way to grow spiritually and receive the blessings God has for me! As a pastor, I have the privilege of helping others learn from my mistakes. I am to be honest about those mistakes, without bragging about them. (I’ve heard some preachers who did seem to be bragging about how sinful they had been!) I am to be consistent in taking in the Word daily, not as a duty but as a delightful privilege, and always with the intention and desire to apply it both in the short and the long term. I’m not to treat it like most of us treat New Year’s resolutions, that don’t last the week, or even the day, in which they were made. As I work with others, I must recognize my own weakness and not talk down to anyone, but encourage them to walk with me as we follow the Lord.

Father, thank You for this clear Word this morning. Help me apply it! Thank You for what You’re bringing me through in my current bout with shingles. It’s a new experience for me, but by Your grace I’m certainly having it easier than most people with it seem to. I pray that I would have wisdom as a steward of the body, the time, and the opportunities You provide, so that You will may be accomplished in and through me on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!