James 1:21
Therefore, with humility, set aside all moral filth and the growth of wickedness, and welcome the word planted deep inside you—the very word that is able to save you.
Common English Bible (CEB)
My heart is not pure. My inherent sin defiles it.
This fact is a confession that I must make every day, or risk the deception that comparison into which the world lures me. It is easy to look at the evil in the world and tell myself, "At least I'm not that bad." God's word tells me, I am that bad.
It's what we tend to do. We compare. We size up ourselves against others and yes, we judge. Most of the time, if I'm honest, I make the comparisons for entirely selfish reasons. My purpose may come out of a quest for excellence. But it is not a pure motive if it involves comparing the level of my bar with that of someone else. My motivation is pride.
Comparison to Jesus is my only hope. His perfect love shines the light on my utter depravity and eliminates any prideful inclinations. His Word shows me how I am to live holiness.
A purified heart is not something I can achieve - or even desire, on my own. It is the gift Christ died to give us so that we may see God.
Psalm 19:14 May the words that come out of my mouth and the
musings of my heart meet with Your gracious approval,
O Eternal, my Rock,
O Eternal, my Redeemer.
The Voice (VOICE)
Therefore, with humility, set aside all moral filth and the growth of wickedness, and welcome the word planted deep inside you—the very word that is able to save you.
Common English Bible (CEB)
My heart is not pure. My inherent sin defiles it.
This fact is a confession that I must make every day, or risk the deception that comparison into which the world lures me. It is easy to look at the evil in the world and tell myself, "At least I'm not that bad." God's word tells me, I am that bad.
It's what we tend to do. We compare. We size up ourselves against others and yes, we judge. Most of the time, if I'm honest, I make the comparisons for entirely selfish reasons. My purpose may come out of a quest for excellence. But it is not a pure motive if it involves comparing the level of my bar with that of someone else. My motivation is pride.
Comparison to Jesus is my only hope. His perfect love shines the light on my utter depravity and eliminates any prideful inclinations. His Word shows me how I am to live holiness.
A purified heart is not something I can achieve - or even desire, on my own. It is the gift Christ died to give us so that we may see God.
Psalm 19:14 May the words that come out of my mouth and the
musings of my heart meet with Your gracious approval,
O Eternal, my Rock,
O Eternal, my Redeemer.
The Voice (VOICE)
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