OPEN HEARTS-OPEN LIVES
Open Hearts, Open Lives: Open to God's Word
The Word of God is the very lifeblood of our faith. It's not merely a collection of stories and commands; it's a living, active force that shapes our lives and guides us towards Christ. But the power of the Word hinges not only on hearing it, but on how we receive it. James 1:21 urges us to "receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls." This isn't just about listening; it's about opening our hearts.
But what does it mean to approach God's Word with an open heart? It begins with an attitude of humility. We must lay aside the "filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness," as James puts it. This includes pride, selfish ambition, preconceived ideas, and other distractions that cloud our minds and hearts. A heart that is genuinely open is teachable, ready to be challenged, and willing to adjust its perspective according to God's Word.
Consider the Bereans in Acts 17:11. They "received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." They didn't blindly accept what they heard; they diligently examined the scriptures, comparing the message to the Word of the Lord. This diligent and humble approach allowed them to discern what was true, and as a result, they grew in their faith.
In contrast to this, consider the example of those who rejected the message. The same Word was presented, but their hearts were closed, filled with envy and resistance (Acts 13:45). The attitude with which we approach the Word determines its impact on our lives.
Furthermore, hearing the Word is only the first step. James 1:22 reminds us, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." The Word of God acts as a mirror, reflecting our true selves (James 1:23-24). It reveals areas where we fall short, challenging us to change and grow. But if we hear the Word and fail to apply it, we deceive ourselves. Remember, knowledge without action is insufficient in God’s eyes.
The ultimate goal of hearing the Word is transformation. When we receive the Word with an open heart and apply it to our lives, we become fertile ground for the Gospel. The seed of God's Word takes root, producing the fruit of righteousness. We see this clearly in the account of Pentecost (Acts 2). When the people heard Peter's message, they were "pricked in their heart" and asked, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37). They didn't just hear; they responded with obedience, and 3,000 souls were added to the church that day.
Let us all open our hearts and be ready to receive, ready to obey, and ready to live out the power of God (Romans 1:16). I pray that we all choose not to be hearers only, but doers, that we may be blessed in all that we do (James 1:25).
~Casey Clement
>PS. This week, commit to reading a chapter of the Bible each day with a prayerful heart, and ask God to help you apply His Word to your life.
>PSS. Don’t forget to make plans and bring a friend to our Gospel Meeting on the 5th-8th.