Mark Twain said that it wasn't the parts of the Bible that he didn't understand that worried him, it was the parts of the Bible he did understand that bothered him. At times, the language is so high and lofty that it's hard to grasp. At other times it is clear and direct. This is one of those times. We have a choice, James tells us -- we can opt to hear the Word, pray for it to transform us, and let it lead us into the world, or we can listen, think about how nice it is, and leave it at that. Either is a choice. One is faithful to the calling of Jesus Christ, which is meant to transform us and the community around us. To be idle... is a different choice, a worse choice, for it means that the Word hasn't changed us. To hear the Gospel is to be changed. And if we are not changed, we must continue to listen and pray for the Holy Spirit to illumine us, to lead us out, for the Word always changes, always transforms, always challenges and comforts and brings new life.
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