Wednesday; May 13
Do we know what we are supposed to be doing? For the most part, living good lives doesn’t surprise us – we know good from evil. However, that does not (necessarily) settle the issue for us. Maybe a more important question is “are we doing it”? Are we doing the right things? The other day, I came across an observation made by the New Testament writer, James, who challenged, “Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21). While this is pretty straightforward, I researched this verse in the King James Version and found this, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”. I don’t always appreciate the KJV, but I just love that translation – it sounds really neat! Interestingly, as I did a little deeper diving into the spirit of the older translation and found that the idea of “naughtiness” can sometimes be defined as “wickedness that is not ashamed to break laws”. In essence, it isn’t making a mistake as much as it is not caring about it. We know the right thing to do, we just choose not to do it.
Let’s evaluate our lives and make sure that we are actively pursuing righteousness rather than “naughtiness”. We tell our children they shouldn’t be naughty and it is a good reminder that mature believers should follow, too.
Think About It!