Morning Devotions with Cap'n Kenny - Transformation

Transformation

Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

~ James 1:21 (ESV)

Self-centered pride and malice toward others must be replaced by a humble acknowledgment of our need for walking in the light of the truths of Scripture. Just as we were brought to a knowledge of God by the word of truth (James 1:18), so there is a present sense in which daily acknowledgment of the implanted word will save us from anger and foolish decisions. However, this will only be true to the extent that we hear and respond to the word.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22). Hearing is, of course, the prerequisite to proper response, because we must know the truth before we can apply it. The problem is that most of us know much more than we live. It is far easier to theorize and postpone the truth than it is to put it into action.

“For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was” (James 1:23-24). The Word is like a moral mirror that strips away our outer veneer and shows us what we are really like (see Hebrews 4:12-13).

Working through Scripture, the Spirit reveals areas of our lives which need to be changed. When we see these areas and do nothing about them, it is as foolish as a person who looks in a mirror, realizes he has forgotten to put on his pants, and continues to walk out of the house. Revelation is designed to transform, not merely inform, but it cannot accomplish this without our response.

Lord, give me the strength and will and wisdom to allow you to transform me. Amen

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny


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Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Devotion shared by Dr. Ken Boa.
Self-centered pride and malice toward others must be replaced by a humble acknowledgment of our need for walking in the light of the truths of Scripture.