Being Told that You’re Wrong
James 1:21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (ESV)
Yesterday we read about God’s powerful advice for reducing conflict in our lives. But none of us likes to be told that we’re wrong – not at all – which is why sometimes we simply dismiss good advice, even when it comes from God.
Think about it. When you’re angry, how open are you right in that moment to receiving good, sensible, godly advice? Not all that much, I’m guessing, because when it comes to anger, the root cause is pride.
But, but, but … I’m entitled to be treated better than this. That person deserves my anger. They have to pay!
And that attitude becomes what the Bible calls, a “stronghold” in our hearts; we set it up as a place where we deny God access because if we let Him in, we’d have to change.
But that’s a problem, because we know that God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. So, in your anger, in your pride, do you really want God to oppose you at every turn? Really?
What’s the answer, then? How do we solve this problem?
James 1:21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (ESV)
In other words, yield. If you’ve heard the Word of God, if you’ve had even the mildest brush with His Word, He’s already implanted it in your heart. It has the power to save. It has the power to change. It has the power to set you free.
Be honest …that anger, that pride, all that filthiness and rampant wickedness … all it does is ruin your life and your relationships.
So yield your stronghold, lay down your pride, let go of your anger … and receive with meekness the implanted word of God, which is able to save your soul.
That’s His Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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