Once God has begotten us by His word (Ja 1:18), He tells us to “lay apart all filthiness,” moral uncleanness, and “superfluity of naughtiness.” (Ja 1:21a)
An overflow of badness spills out when we’re wanton, living without discipline or concern for holiness. Rather, we’re to “receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save our souls.” (Ja 1:21b)
Living carefully, soberly, working out our own deliverance with fear and trembling (Php 2:12), trying our best (2Pe 1:5), no matter how bad our best is, it’s simply common sense, once we’ve chosen the fear of God.
There’s no pretending we’re good, in ourselves (Ga 6:3); even on our best day (Is 6:5) we’re abominable and filthy, guzzling down iniquity like water. (Job 15:16)
But even so, there’s no giving ourselves over to sin on purpose, presumptuously. (Ps 19:13), Give it no place (Ep 4:27), no quarter (De 17:2,5); lay it all aside, everything you can that isn’t Christ (Php 1:21), and then ask Him to take what’s left. (Ps 119:29)
Let’s cleanse ourselves of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2Co 7:1). Without holiness, no one will see God. (He 12:14)
God bless you for this word,,of encouragement,, from God,, how to draw closer to him,,, we have to have a pure heart,,away from all our sins,, nothing can be wrong that we are aware of,, only God knows the heart,,what so ever things are true, and pure,, think on these things,, that scripture comes to mind,,, Thankyou,
Love that picture too,, remind of the days of my mother and father,, we were happier than we could ever be,, where all the love and security was surrounding us,, you look happier than ever,, as a child,, I call it a little taste of heaven,, was what we felt,,, that’s hard to come by these days,, those days were so precious from God,
Thanks Angela. Thanks for the note. I am glad this was encouraging to you, and I appreciate your word of encouragement. It’s a reminder to me that if we say we have fellowship with God and walk in darkness, we’re lying to ourselves. (1Jn 1:6) I did have many blessings in my childhood, more than I deserved. God is faithful.