Doing What the Bible Says

DOING WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

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 (V.21). 

James 1:13-22

Reading

While I was reading the first chapter of James, this phrase caught my attention: “humbly accept the word planted in you” (V.21). At the time, I had a big decision to make and I was struggling to work out what to do. But as I read “humbly accept the word” I thought, I don’t need to read another book, hear another sermon or get more advice. I just need to do what the Bible says. All the time I’d spent talking to people about my problem had really just been me buying myself more time so I didn’t have to do anything. God had already said everything I needed to know. 

It’s not that asking for advice is wrong. But sometimes, we just need to get on and live by the Bible’s words. James was writing to Christians when he gave these straightforward instructions: “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” (VV.21-22). 

The original word used in this verse for “accept” means “deliberately and readily receiving what is offered”. Being humble before God means we’re not fighting against what He says or trying to get out of obeying Him. It means we want to read the Bible and follow His instructions.

OPEN YOUR BIBLE PRAYERFULLY, READ IT CAREFULLY AND THEN DO WHAT IT SAYS.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries