2021-10-18 Put the message into practice!

Therefore, get rid of all filthiness and whatever wickedness still remains, and in a humble spirit receive that message which has been planted in your hearts and is able to save your souls. Put that message into practice, and do not merely listen to it – deceiving yourselves.

James

Sometimes we get into the comparison game. Part of our secular nature is to look at others and esteem ourselves greater than them. But what good is that? Humility requires that we don't place ourselves on a pedestal.

No one is good but God. Christ is the ultimate measuring stick, and we can't come close to His righteousness by our own works. Practice the message of the gospel: forgive as The LORD forgave you. You know your own wickedness (even though you might be better at hiding it than others).

Practice the message: "We died to sin, how can we still live in it?" (Romans 6). Jesus didn't die so that you could remain in slavery to sin!

God, cleanse my heart. Conform my will to yours.