stephen R Harrison

            My dad always planted a big garden. At least 5 acres! We had everything from potatoes to peanuts. I worked that garden and then sold produce at the farmer’s market on Saturdays my whole childhood. So, when I went to college, I vowed to never plant another garden. Then, in our first year of marriage, I planted a garden. Granted it wasn’t multiple acres, but it was enough to supply our family and some friends with some of the fresh vegetables and fruits we most enjoyed. At our second home, my garden grew to about 2,500 sq ft. My first task on that property was to prepare the land for planting. I hooked up the middle buster to the tractor and turned the soil over several times. It was hard, rocky, and mostly clay. In that condition, it would never receive the seeds and plants and produce anything fruitful. After breaking up the soil, I tilled it a couple of times and added some compost and some other organic matter.

            In James 1:21, he writes, “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.” Growth in our walk with Jesus doesn’t happen accidentally. We must prepare the soil of our hearts to receive God’s Word so we can understand and apply it. Like that hard and rocky soil, we must “get rid of all moral filth and evil”. How do we do this? One key word: humility. We receive God’s word, James insists, by humbly accepting it and allowing it to be planted in us. Christian growth is more than behavior modification. It should result in it and yield the opposites of moral filth and evil, but these are not qualities we can achieve on our own. In order for God’s Word to be planted, we must allow the work of God’s Spirit to soften our hearts as we humbly come before God surrendered and teachable. Only then can his truth transform us. 

            What does it mean to “get rid” of the moral filth and evil? Are we just to “do better”? James is calling us to repentance. Repentance means a shift in our thoughts and in how we perceive our sinful actions. We take on God’s perspective towards sin and choose to see it as he does. It is a deep and genuine sorrow, literally brokenness, over the sin that has separated us from God’s fellowship, blessing, and will. It is allowing God to pull up the sinful weeds and rocks that do not belong so he can plant the seed of his saving Word. It reminds me of Hosea 10:12, “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.” What sin in your life is preventing God’s Word from bearing fruit? Is it pride causing you to resist his truth? Is it unforgiveness that’s hardening your heart towards trusting God? Has some illusion of years in bondage to a sin robbed you of the joy of maturity and joy in Jesus? Humble yourself and repent! Clear the stony field of your heart so that the fullness of God’s saving Word can produce fertility and fruitfulness in your life.

             Coupled with repentance is “humbly accepting the Word”. It’s the manner of meekness that yields control with trust and devotion. If we approach Scripture with skepticism, resistance, or arrogance, God’s Word will not be planted in us. We will reject his truth and deceptively believe we know best. Insisting our own way is not the way. As one person so cleverly asked, “How’s that working for you?” When we humbly receive God’s Word, we gain life that truly is life. Our ways seem right to us, but they will always result in death (Proverbs 14:12). God wants us to walk with him and know abundant life (John 10:10). Hard soil cannot receive seed to start life but also cannot absorb the water and nutrients necessary to sustain it. Humility allows God’s Spirit to soften our hearts and minds, making them like sponges rather than stones. Then and only then can we soak up the refreshing presence and principles of God’s Word and live abundantly.

            God plants his Word in us at salvation and gives us new life. As we humbly receive and walk in it, it causes growth. Every year as I plant seeds in the garden, although I know they will grow, it never fails that I think, “Is there a seed under that soil? Will it grow?” I’ve even uncovered some spots to check. As much as I want to, I can’t make seeds sprout. That’s only something God does. The same principle applies to our spiritual growth. We can be sure that what God plants, he will grow. I do have a part in cooperation with God. Just as I weed and water my garden, I must water God’s Word with faith as I receive it. I must nurture the seed with obedience as I do what it says. God’s Word is implanted in our lives. This is more than black words on white pages. It is written on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:10, 2 Corinthians 3:3, Romans 2:14-15). James 1:21 is lived out in daily humility, surrender, repentance, obedience, and faith. His Word brings life and freedom. Here’s my heart, Lord. I choose to receive instead of resist. Implant your Word of truth. Shape me. Transform me. May my life be fertile soil that yields Kingdom fruit for your glory.