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 NKJV

We are willing to receive many things to accomplish certain goals. Many people today will ingest pills or take shots to lose weight. There are also those who take medications for illnesses and endure horrific side effects. We microchip our dogs. People are willing to insert implants to enhance body parts.

There are also those implants and medications that keep us alive and keep us functioning as we should. A pacemaker is a good example of this.

Here, James is telling us that we must receive the implanted word. Can you just imagine how wonderful this world would be if everyone had God’s word implanted in their hearts? Then we would see each other as God sees us. We would love as God loves. It would be heaven on earth.

James clearly states that we must lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness. Or as some versions say we must rid ourselves of all moral filth and evil and humbly receive the implanted word. The problem is when we are lost in sin, we usually don’t realize it, or we don’t want to admit it to ourselves. We don’t recognize our own moral filth. We don’t see that we do things that are evil. We tend to downplay these things.

This is why James goes on to explain that we must not simply read or hear the word, but we must do what it says. He goes on to say that when we simply read the word, but don’t do the word, we are like a man looking at his face in the mirror. This man looks at himself, then goes away and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. He may see flaws, but then he quickly turns away and forgets about them.

God’s word is like a mirror. We read His word and it points out our imperfections. If we don’t act on His word and make positive changes in our lives, then it doesn’t benefit us at all.

Let’s face it, there are those days when we look in the mirror and we don’t like what we see so we simply stop looking.

When we look into the mirror of God’s word, we can intently look into the perfect law of freedom. We can not only do God’s word, but we can persevere in it. We can do good works. James says this person will be blessed in what he does.

Psalm 119:105 tells us God’s word will light our way. It says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Without His word, we are stumbling in darkness.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” God’s word can equip us to do all He needs us to do.

There is no more important implant you could have than God’s word. Don’t just receive it, implant it in your heart. Don’t just read it or hear it but live it out in your daily life.

And last but not least, Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” When we receive God’s word, it can help to cut out the moral filth and evil that is within us. It can separate us from these things.

Ephesians 6:17 tells us to take the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. When Paul speaks of God’s armor, this is the only offensive weapon mentioned.

Have you received God’s word? I don’t mean just read it and listened to it, I mean have you truly received it? Is it what you do your best to live by? If your answer to that question was no, then I must ask, what are you waiting for?

Have a great day!