StrongSample

  

Make A Change

Rex Stump

Ready:

“So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.” James 1:21

Set:

It has been a tough practice and you have worked hard! You can’t believe that your team had to practice on prom night! You’re soaked with sweat and you don’t have time to change your clothes or shower, so you just go straight to your prom date’s house. Imagine arriving sweaty, hair messed up, and smelling like a junior high locker room. Sound like a bad dream? Truth is, we would make time and every effort to take off the sweat-soaked clothes, shower, and make ourselves presentable for our date. 

James tells us in his book to get rid of all the filth! The word used in this verse for “get rid of” literally means to lay something down and push it away. Applying this word in the above story means I would take off the sweaty clothes and push them away. Those clothes won’t fall off on their own. You must be the one to deliberately unzip and pull off the nasty sweaty clothes. 

We must have the same attitude and action when it comes to making changes in our lives. Have a bad attitude? Dealing with a certain sin? It is our responsibility to make every effort to remove that which is spiritual garbage in our life, and allow God’s Word to save us and shape us. I encourage you today to remove your nasty, smelly spiritual clothing and toss it! 

Go:

1. What attitudes are like sweaty clothes in your life?
2. What choices are leading you away from God? 
3. What is your plan to plant God’s Word in your heart? 

  

Overtime: 

Heavenly Father, I admit that I’ve been running around wearing a nasty sinful outfit. Forgive me. Give me the strength to courageously toss off the spiritual garbage I’m wearing. Fill me with Your holy words!