“Therefore, riding yourselves of all moral filth and evil excess, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you. But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:21-22, HCSB)

Recently I have been able to briefly study these verses from James. They end with a call to not simply hear what God’s Word says (though that is obviously an important first step), but to act on it – or else you are sadly deceived. God expects us to do something about what we hear and learn from the Bible. Thankfully, James also lets us know how to prepare ourselves to receive the Word so we can be doers. First, he says to eradicate “moral filth and evil excess.” This calls for purity. Second, James says this requires humility – that is the exact opposite of arrogance and rebellion. This spirit of humility will say, “God, I need you! I can’t live my life without You and Your guidance!” Therefore, when we approach the Bible in purity and humility, we will be prepared to not only be hearers, but also doers of the Word.