Two Sides of Discipleship

“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.” James 1:21 NIV1984

Discipleship has two sides. There is a negative and positive side. Both are necessary to be a healthy disciple. On the one hand, we need to say no to sin by faith, because we know that it offends our heavenly Father and because we  know that it is no longer who we are in Christ. We also know that it will only lead to fruitlessness. But the positive side is equally important, for without it all our self-discipline will amount to nothing. We need to humbly accept the word of God planted inside of us by the Holy Spirit, which eventually is the key to our spiritual formation. When we allow God's word to penetrate our hearts and stay there, God is able to renew and restore us into His image and likeness. Don't just listen to God's word; humbly accept it.