In James 1:21-25, James lists three ways to receive God's word:
1) We must receive the Word with "repentance" — "Lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness" (James 1:21). The phrase, "overflow of wickedness" means those things which remain; the things that are left; the hangovers of the past. Remove the leftovers of our old ways, habits, and practices. The point James is making, is that we will never be able to welcome the Word until we remove the hangovers of our old life.
2) We must receive the Word with "readiness" — "Receive with meekness the implanted word" (James 1:21). In other words, we must have a compliant and ready spirit, or one that is teachable or trainable. Samuel welcomed the Word when he said, "Speak Lord, for Your servant hears" (1 Samuel 3:9-10).
The people on Pentecost "gladly received the word and were baptized" (Acts 2:41). The Bereans were called "noble" because "they received the Word with all readiness of mind" (Acts 17:11 KJV). Luke tells us that if we are to successfully welcome the Word, we must receive it with an attitude of readiness.
3) We must receive the Word with "responsiveness" — James speaks of a man "observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was" (James 1:24). This is just a casual glance that brings no response and no change. The other man noted in James 1:25, looks, keeps looking, and responds. This man is blessed in his going. His is a careful gaze, a steadfast, continual, intentional look. He responds to the Word and makes application of it in his life and everyday living.
Dear reader, when we are willing to receive God's word with repentance, readiness and responsiveness, we have welcome the Word into our heart as we would welcome a good friend into our home.
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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