Virtue vs. Vice: Stay Rooted

How do honesty, goodness, holding fast and patience keep us rooted in God's love? Let's examine Jesus's words in Luke 8:15. One helpful way to learn a concept is to contrast it with something that it is not.

We can contrast this acceptance with the warning in James 1:21 which says "Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."

So let's examine the words and phrases:  filthiness and rampant wickedness in James 1:21 and contrast them with honest, good, holding fast and patience in Luke 8:15. As we learn these words, let's examine our own hearts and be open to what the Lord might be leading us to change in our lives.

I always like to begin with the bad news to end on a high note, so if you'll allow me, let's dive right into the dark side of our humanity, shall we? James' warning of what we need to put aside in order to humbly accept the word of God planted within us is clear:

Filthiness ( rhuparia, G4507, ῥυπαρία): The term is drawn from imagery of physically filthy clothes, but in this verse, it is used to describe moral impurity or corruption—an inner uncleanness that is obvious and offensive, like dirty garments. This looks like sexual immorality, impurity, obscene talk, filthy gestures, indecent habits, crude joking, foolish talk, reading/hearing impure content (Eph 5:3-4).

Rampant Wickedness ( perisseia kakias, G4050 and G 2549 περισσεία κακίας): This phrase means an excess or overflowing amount of wickedness—an abundance of evil or depravity that goes beyond what should be present, emphasizing the need to put away even the "leftover" or "superfluous" evil in one's life. This looks like all forms of evil, covetousness, greed, slander, malice, hatred, bitterness, anger, abusive speech or any action contrary to God’s holiness (Eph 5:3–6; James 1:21)

Ok, if we're being honest we've all fallen short of the above issues on some scale. If we think we haven't then we're lying to ourselves because we've all sinned. But we don't live in condemnation. We look to Christ and accept our new life in Him. So now for the good part- let's look at the things the Holy Spirit enables us to do:

Good ( agathē G18, ἀγαθῇ): Refers to the "good ground" as having a good constitution or nature, symbolizing fertile soil that is capable of producing fruit abundantly (Luke 8:8, 15). This would look like receiving the word with an open heart; being receptive to God’s teaching (Luke 8:15; Acts 17:11)

Honest ( kalē, G2570 καλῇ): Describes a noble and honorable heart, one that is morally excellent and worthy. This would look like sincerely seeking truth; acting with integrity; living uprightly (Luke 8:15; Romans 12:17).

Hold Fast ( katechousin G2722, κατέχουσιν): Indicates the action of firmly holding on to or keeping secure the word of God after hearing it. This would look like clinging to God’s word; not letting go of faith; meditating on Scripture; obeying consistently (Luke 8:15; Psalm 1:2).

Patience ( hypomonē, G5281 ὑπομονῇ): Emphasizes steadfastness and endurance; the ability to patiently persevere and remain faithful through trials to bear fruit. This would look like persevering in faith; enduring trials; continuing to do good; waiting on God’s timing (Luke 8:15; James 1:12).

Since we just read a lot of words, I'll end this week simply. Let's spend some time asking the Lord to show us where we can grow. Let's remain rooted in Christ and in His word, friends.