James 1:21

"Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls." James 1:21

Filthiness and naughtiness may seem like extreme adjectives for some of us! Many definitions are given for filthy: vile, nasty, obscene, disgustingly dirty, and covered with filth. It is hard to imagine our souls in such a state(even though we know we are sinners and beg for the cleanliness of Christ in our heart daily). We have to keep in mind any sin is filthy, vile, and nasty in God's eyes. Whether it is a little lie or murder, a sin is a sin. It causes blemishes or dark spots to grow upon our soul. How do these blemishes or dark spots affect us?

They affect the absorbtion of the word. When the filth of sin(the world) is prevalent or in excess(superfluity) in our lives, our heart is like a strainer for the Word. I find it funny that a strainer is a device which separates liquids(Living Water) from solids(our hearts). These black spots act as holes. The knowledge of God cannot be held inside the solidness of our heart. Our hearts cannot contain the Word with sin blocking the retention or allowing the Living Water to flow on through us. We pick up bits and pieces, but greater understanding and growth is sacrificed. Instead of sacrificing a growing knowledge of God, how about we sacrifice ourself?

We must cleanse our minds, hearts, and lives before digging into the Word! Humbly beg Jesus to cleanse the sins from your life and heart. Mend the holes in our heart. We will have a new vessel to catch and retain the Word of God. A fleshy heart-shaped bowl catching and soaking in God's light-filled word. It is in meekness and humbleness of heart that we must open ourselves to the penetrating and cleansing light of the Lamb. He will mend and cleanse our heart so that we might grow in God's light. A tiny flower absorbing the nourishment needed. It is needed. Put your heart daily in the light of the LORD. It is of the utmost importance! We must never become stagnant or plateau out. Keep climbing like a vine towards the loving light of God, for you can never be too close to his radiant light!

kenny