Let the Word...

James 1:18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

The Word of God.  What to do with it? James is straightforward: "Let the Word of God Do what God gave it to do."  First, the word of truth, the Gospel, is the seed Jesus talked about: let it take root and dig deep, giving eternal life. God has revealed His Good News of salvation in His Word: Respond to and receive it. Second, let it be louder than the flesh. We tend to listen to the sinful desires and selfish emotions of the old man, giving them what they want. Make the Word of God louder, and listen when the Word commands to forgive, to say not to sin, and to show the righteousness of Christ.  Third, Let the Word Reflect like the mirror God intends.  Look in the mirror to see yourself as you really are. Let it be that big, well-lit mirror in the fancy hotel that shows every blemish and roll of fat in full, ugly detail.  Then use the powerful Word to change - depending on God's Spirit and the Truth of the Word to transform how we think about ourselves and what we do.  Let the Word Sink in, dig deep, cleanse, and do its good work.