Receive the Word with Meekness

"Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." ~James 1:21

Stop and take a moment to examine this verse.  "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." 

As we approach God's Word, we must come with a pure heart. If we have built up walls of sin and rebellion, we will not be willing to allow the Word of God to penetrate our hearts and change our lives.  Before we approach the Scriptures, it is right to confess our sins and lay aside our own selfishness.  We must be ready to receive God's Word, but first we must empty ourselves of all else.  We must turn away from that which is contrary to God's Word.  Once we have done this, we are ready to receive His Word with a pure heart, in full assurance of faith.

God's Word is freely offered.  Will we "receive" it?

We have access to the Scriptures 24/7.  We read the Bible.  But do we receive it? Do we allow it to have a place in our heart?  Do we meditate on it and abide in it?  Is it "implanted" in our hearts?  This is not a matter to be passed over lightly, but a matter that deserves much thought.  When we read and find a passage that challenges the way we have been living, are we willing to receive and accept it?  Will we allow it to change our lives?

Do we receive it with meekness?

This implanted word is freely offered to us, but do we approach it with an attitude of meekness?  Do we come with open hands and a soft heart, ready and willing to be molded by this living and powerful Sword?   Do we approach the word as newborn babes, like 1 Peter 2:2 says, "as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby"?  We can either approach the Word seeking to be changed, or looking to poke holes in it and find fault with it.  Which do you and I do?

We must approach God's Word with clean hands and a pure heart.  With a meek spirit.  This is not meant to be something to add to our list of rules, but rather something for which we should plead with our heavenly Father to grant us.  We are cannot possibly become "clean enough" or "meek enough" on our own.  If we were left to ourselves, we would never be able to approach God's Word.  

But our gracious Lord, who humbled Himself by coming in the likeness of men, being the complete image of meekness and purity, will, of Himself, make us pure.  He alone can cleanse our hearts and teach us how to approach His Scriptures with openness and a heart that is ready to learn.  He will work through us, if we ask.  It is He Who lives in us, and we are not expected to live this Christian walk on our own.  Rather, we must implore our great Provider and merciful Savior that He might cleanse our hearts and grant us meek spirits, so that God's Word can transform our lives, by the power of His Holy Spirit.