Daily Devotional

-July 15, 2021-

Good morning, happy Thursday,

-Lay Aside Moral Impurity And Receive The Word Implanted-

“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).

The early Christians lived in a morally corrupt society in the Roman Empire. Many were saved as adults who had lived very sinful lives. They were growing in their faith. Our society today is much the same way, there is defilement from TV, movies, internet, books, magazines, music, and other forms of entertainment.

As believers we need to “lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness.” We must choose to reject the things of this world that defile our minds and bodies. All throughout Scripture, whenever God’s people give up something wrong or questionable, God replaces it with something better. Separation is to keep one away from sinful and worldly things around us. Sanctification is to be set apart for the Lord. Both are needed.

We notice that it takes action on our part in our choices. There are good TV shows which include Christian programs, as well as syndicated TV shows from years gone by. There are good movies rated G or PG. There are good things on the internet and good Christian music and videos. It does take dedication and parents can show the way by their example. James tells us “ to receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

Parents want to protect their kids from moral corruption and that is a good thing. We as children of God must do the same. Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” The summer Olympics are coming up in a couple of weeks and we will see runners and other athletes competing at the highest levels. They have trained most of their lives for this stage. They have been disciplined to the highest degree and their clothing and shoes are as light as possible. Their goal is faster, stronger, higher.

We have a choice in how we live our lives. People who know we are Christians are watching how we live our lives, the words we use, and places we go and things we do. Just as the world-class athletes must sacrifice so much to represent their countries, so too, we must sacrifice much to represent the Lord Jesus Christ and heaven in the way we live our lives.

Have a blessed day laying aside anything defiling and living fully for Christ in this world. Being separated from the world and set apart for God is our daily choice and challenge. Stay safe and healthy.

In His grace,

Dean