Christian Windbags

James 1:21-22 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Therefore, because God has redeemed us of His own will, we must put aside all things that are filthy, morally dirty, and that bring dishonor to God and our testimony as followers of Jesus. Although it is a fact that in Christ we have been justified (declared not guilty), there must be action on our part. Although there is no amount of works that can earn us eternal life, as it is given to us by the grace of God when we put our trust in Jesus, and call upon His Name; it is still required of us to work out our salvation with reverent fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). We cannot have true victory over sinful behavior, unless we live out our Christianity intentionally. In other words, we must intentionally put aside those things that lead us down the path of sin. It first begins with the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2). When we accept Jesus as Savior we are made new creatures who no longer view God or man in accordance with the flesh (2 Corinthians 5:16-17). Today, we are reminded that the power to change our thinking, so that our actions will follow, is dependent upon our dedication to living out the Word of God. James gives us a wonderful picture of how we must receive the Scriptures, if we are to experience true victory. The Word must be engrafted in us so that it produces the fruit of righteousness in our life. This is only possible when we are careful not to hinder the work of the Spirit in us. In Psalm 119:11, the psalmist wrote, "Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you." This is not to say that we will never stumble. The fact of the matter is that a true believer will no longer live a lifestyle of sin, and will do all they can to obey the Word of God. Obedience is not just reading and hearing the Word. Obedience is not just agreeing with God's Word. Obedience is putting God's Word to action in our life, without compromise. The Lord makes it clear that if we are not actually living out His Word, we are deceiving ourselves. That means that we are not to pick and choose which portions of Scripture we will apply to our lives; for all of Scripture is profitable and must be exercised. Let us not be Christian windbags who only talk a good game. Instead, let us be Christians who put feet to our faith, for the glory of God.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).