Before we move on to the next fruit of the Spirit, I want to take today
to consider one more verse in regard to meekness. It is found in James
1:21:
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and
receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
There are many hindrances to meekness of Spirit and filthiness and superfluity
of naughtiness just about covers them all! Superfluity is defined as "large
amounts". There are definitely large amounts of naughtiness within each
one of us, amen ladies? The Bible says that we are to lay them apart -
put those many sins far from us so that meekness can prevail in our hearts,
thereby preparing us to receive the Word of God. Whenever our clothes
or our children's clothes are dirty we don't waste any time in changing
into something clean. So too, should this be the attitude we have about
our sin! We must cast off things that pollute our souls such as bitterness,
pride, and envy and prepare our hearts to seek God…
2 Cor. 7:1 (KJV)
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves
from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the
fear of God.
Ladies, our great need is heart-preparation. It is foolish to try to receive
God's Word into an unprepared heart! I wonder how many believers actually
attend the preaching of the Word of God with hearts that are not properly
primed. Are you one of them? How can those expect God to purify their
hearts who are continually indulging their eyes, ears, and hands in what
is forbidden? A garden of overgrown weeds cannot be controlled, nor can
it be expected to bring forth produce. Are you meticulously tending your
heart, dear lady? Are you keeping it clean from the sins that would dirty
it? Does the Spirit of God have control of you so that He is able to teach
you, as the Word is open? As you would expect, people rebel against the
Bible because it tells the truth about them and their sinfulness. Nevertheless,
we must be willing to hear of our faults, taking it not only patiently,
but also thankfully. Are you are able to receive the engrafted Word today?
Or do you bend it to conform it to your thinking? You see, when we receive
the Word with meekness, we accept it, we do not argue with it; we honor
it as GOD'S Word. Perhaps there is some filthiness of your flesh that
needs to be forsaken which is blocking this process...
Jeremiah 4:3 (KJV)
Thus saith the Lord to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow
ground, and sow not among thorns.
How do we pave the way for meekness of Spirit? How do we arrange for the
Word of God to have it's perfect work in our hearts? We must break up
our fallow ground; we must confess our sins, agree with God about them,
and ask Him to forgive us. Don’t sow good seed among thorns! I hope that
each and every day you will prepare your heart in meekness before you
place yourself under the teaching and preaching of the Word of God, whether
at home in your personal devotions, or in the house of God when you are
assembled for worship. As a matter of fact, it is the meekness of your
heart that will see to it you are present in church every time the doors
are open! Not just your body, but also your heart and mind… Many Christians
are in that tragic condition of attending Bible study and church services
yet never seem to grow. They are "dull of hearing" and decaying spiritually
because of a lack of spiritual preparation. How has your church attendance
been lately? Have you drifted away, become sporadic in attendance, stopped
altogether? Has your mind begun to wander during the preaching? How long
has it been since you've stopped paying attention to the truth?
Galatians 5:7 (KJV)
Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
Those who turn out of God's way or begin to tire in it ought to seriously
investigate what is hindering them! Often times we are quick to blame
it on the preacher or other people... But did you ever stop to think that
perhaps it is due to the filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness within
your OWN heart? I encourage you today to cast off your filthy garments
and then receive with meekness the Word of God. Accept God's dealings
with you however they may tear at your heart... If the seed of the Word
is to be planted in our hearts and flourish, then we must obey the instructions
that James has given us in this verse today.
But the fruit... Is there any in your life?
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2000 Pamela A. Iannello
Revised 2003
