James 1:21-22
21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves
We spend an awful lot of time trying to fix ourselves. An awful lot of energy and money, too. And I don't mean physically (although that's true as well!) but I mean emotionally, relationally, psychologically. Even though we are slow to admit it, I think deep down we know that much of what's wrong in our lives has to do with the fact that we are broken people. People that "need fixing".
Trouble is, we don't know how to do it.
I think this verse tells us.
When James uses the phrase "save your souls", I don't believe he is referring to the establishment of a relationship with Christ. Rather, I think he is explaining the "working out" of our salvation - the sanctification process whereby Christ-followers are transformed (slowly as it may be!) into the image of Christ.
It's about "fixing ourselves". Making whole and healthy the parts of us that are broken.
Our self-image. Our relationships. Our speech. Our attitudes. Our priorities. Our treatment of others. Our use of resources. Our own selves.
Here's what James says:
1. Putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness- Get rid of the wrong stuff. Take personal responsibility (as in, it's not your parents' fault or your mate's fault or your boss's fault or your circumstances' fault) and get rid of the things in your life that don't line up with holiness.
2. In humility - have a correct assessment of yourself. Not only take personal responsibility but also see yourself in desperate need of God's grace. That becomes the point at which He showers His favor upon you --- when you realize and acknowledge your need for it.
3. Receive the word implanted - The Word was implanted in you when you trust Christ for salvation. Now you need to embrace it. "Receive" means to embrace and accept like an organ transplant. Let it become part of you. Mediate on The Word. Memorize it. And then,
4. Mind it. Prove yourselves doers of the word and not merely hearers who delude themselves. As you study the word and learn what God tells you to do, then, well, just do it. Nike Time. Just do it.
Obey what He shows you.
That's what transforms you. Changes you. Fixes you. Saves your soul.
It's Nike Time, y'all - just do it!
21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves
We spend an awful lot of time trying to fix ourselves. An awful lot of energy and money, too. And I don't mean physically (although that's true as well!) but I mean emotionally, relationally, psychologically. Even though we are slow to admit it, I think deep down we know that much of what's wrong in our lives has to do with the fact that we are broken people. People that "need fixing".
Trouble is, we don't know how to do it.
I think this verse tells us.
When James uses the phrase "save your souls", I don't believe he is referring to the establishment of a relationship with Christ. Rather, I think he is explaining the "working out" of our salvation - the sanctification process whereby Christ-followers are transformed (slowly as it may be!) into the image of Christ.
It's about "fixing ourselves". Making whole and healthy the parts of us that are broken.
Our self-image. Our relationships. Our speech. Our attitudes. Our priorities. Our treatment of others. Our use of resources. Our own selves.
Here's what James says:
1. Putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness- Get rid of the wrong stuff. Take personal responsibility (as in, it's not your parents' fault or your mate's fault or your boss's fault or your circumstances' fault) and get rid of the things in your life that don't line up with holiness.
2. In humility - have a correct assessment of yourself. Not only take personal responsibility but also see yourself in desperate need of God's grace. That becomes the point at which He showers His favor upon you --- when you realize and acknowledge your need for it.
3. Receive the word implanted - The Word was implanted in you when you trust Christ for salvation. Now you need to embrace it. "Receive" means to embrace and accept like an organ transplant. Let it become part of you. Mediate on The Word. Memorize it. And then,
4. Mind it. Prove yourselves doers of the word and not merely hearers who delude themselves. As you study the word and learn what God tells you to do, then, well, just do it. Nike Time. Just do it.
Obey what He shows you.
That's what transforms you. Changes you. Fixes you. Saves your soul.
It's Nike Time, y'all - just do it!