Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. (NASB) 

The verse of the day comes from the book of James. James is believed to be written by James the brother of Jesus. His book is hard-hitting and a quick read at only five chapters.  

Today’s verse comes in the beginning when James jumps right into his message with the testing of our faith and being obedient to the word. Verse 21 falls in the middle of a paragraph on anger and being a doer of the word and not a hearer only. 

James is writing to Believers, so he has no problem telling them and us what our lives should look like. Today’s verse reminds us that filthiness and the remnants of wickedness of what we once were have no place in our lives now that we belong to Christ.  

Take a moment and look inside your own life. What does it look like? Is there filthiness that no one else sees? Is there filthy language that flows from you like dirty water? Would you want anyone else to know what you think about, read, or watch? These are the filthy things we need to part with.  

What remnants are there of wickedness that might linger from before you met Christ? Deep in the secret places of your heart. Now is the time to rid yourself of them. I admit it is not easy. Perhaps that is why James used the word “ridding”. It is an ongoing action.  

When we begin to look honestly at ourselves, it brings us to a place of humility. Let that drive us to the word of God and let His word wash over us. His word reminds us of His love and forgiveness. His word is implanted within us as we spend time reading it and listening to it. It is through His word we are kept for eternity.  

Jesus’s blood saves us. His sacrificial death on the cross saves us from our sins and His written word keeps us on the path He has prepared for us.  

Spend time today to examine your heart and ask God what corrections you need to make to adjust to His word. Seek what you need to rid yourself of to be more like Him. Let His word be your guide today. 

All for One