The Implanted Word

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."
James 1:21

Oftentimes in our busy lives, we open the scripture and simply glance over the text, gleaning what is written on the surface. As I came across these words by the apostle James, I began to wonder, what does James mean when he wrote the word implanted? What does it mean to have the word implanted in your heart?

The picture that came to my mind was that of a little seed. You can sow a seed by casting it upon the ground or you can dig a little hole and bury the seed under the soil.

If your seed is cast upon the ground, it may take root, or it may be eaten by birds, taken away by the wind, or washed away in the rain. It is easy to sow, but it is also a risk that the seed may be lost.

If you chose to bury the seed under the soil, it does take a bit more effort, but chances are that the little seed will take root and be firmly established. Once the seedling takes root, it can grow until it brings forth fruit.

So then, if we read the word and implant it in our hearts, the word will take root within us. The message will be thought upon and will take hold. It will grow and be firmly established within us so that we can bring forth good fruit in due time. We will be, as James states, doers of the word and not just hearers of the word.

As you read over the scripture, mull over the words, implant them within your heart, allow them to be nourished and to grow, so that you can be firmly established in the word.  Be “not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:25)

Susan Van Volkenburgh