2 Ways God’s Word Can Change You (If You Let It)

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” — James 1:22

Every follower of Jesus reaches moments where the Word of God does more than inspire—it confronts. Those moments feel uncomfortable, even painful at times, because the Bible has a way of shining a light into places we’d rather keep dim. In his message from James 1:18–22, Pastor John Morgan reminded us that spiritual maturity doesn’t begin with knowledge; it begins with awareness. We can’t grow in what we refuse to see.

We often treat the Word like a mirror we glance into quickly before rushing away, but James invites us to pause and truly look. That pause exposes the parts of our soul that need reshaping, revealing not just what we believe, but how deeply we’re willing to let the Word change us.

“You can’t change what you can’t see. You can’t change what you don’t know.” — Pastor John Morgan

The Flight Response — When We Make Excuses

In the book of James, believers are urged to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Pastor John noted that one of the most common ways we resist God’s Word is through the subtle instinct to flee—to explain, rationalize, or excuse our way out of conviction.

It’s the same instinct we see all throughout Scripture. Moses said, “I don’t speak well.” Jeremiah said, “I’m too young.” Gideon said, “I’m the least.” These are not just excuses from ancient stories; they’re echoes of our own self-doubt, our hesitations to believe that God could really use us.

When we respond this way, we might still appear spiritual on the outside, but inside, we’ve chosen avoidance over obedience. Pastor John called this the “flight” response—our instinct to escape the tension of truth by pretending it doesn’t apply to us.

“Do not let your excuses be bigger than your destiny.” — Pastor John Morgan

The Word of God will always confront before it comforts. It will reveal what’s broken before it begins to heal. But if we keep talking over it, explaining it away, or hiding behind past disappointments, we’ll miss the very transformation we long for.

The Fight Response — When We Get Offended

The second way we resist God’s Word is by fighting against it. Some of us don’t flee from conviction—we push back against it.

James warns that “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” In other words, our emotional reactions, however justified they may feel, cannot create spiritual fruit. When Scripture confronts our behavior, our beliefs, or our pride, it’s tempting to become defensive or even offended.

We live in a culture where being challenged often feels like being attacked. Yet the Bible doesn’t cater to our comfort—it calls us to Christlikeness. And that call is always disruptive.

“The Word of God is fire that purifies, a hammer that breaks, and a sword that pierces.” — Pastor John Morgan

God’s Word has never been neutral. It’s alive, active, and unafraid to collide with whatever keeps us from becoming who God created us to be. When we let our frustration or offense harden us, we’re no longer wrestling with a preacher’s opinion—we’re wrestling with the truth itself.

The humility James describes as “meekness” is the posture that opens the door to change. It’s the quiet acknowledgment that God knows better than we do, even when His truth stings.

Let the Word Do Its Work

Transformation doesn’t happen in the moments we hear the Word—it happens in the moments we receive it. James writes, “Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

That phrase, “the implanted word,” suggests something that takes root. Growth is a process of surrender. The same Word that confronts us also cultivates us. It shapes our thoughts, humbles our hearts, and gradually aligns our desires with God’s will.

When we stop fighting and fleeing, we make space for the Spirit to do what only He can—renew our minds, soften our hearts, and transform our lives from the inside out.

“Every time you listen rather than lash out, every time you speak peace rather than fury, every time you receive God’s Word in humility, you become a living preview of the world that’s coming when Jesus reigns over all.” — Pastor John Morgan

The Choice That Changes Everything

Ultimately, every believer faces a choice. When the Word of God confronts you, will you fight, will you flee, or will you let it form you?

The Word of God doesn’t just inform—it transforms. It challenges before it changes. It cuts before it heals. But for those willing to receive it, that confrontation becomes the very soil where faith grows strong and spiritual maturity takes root.

So, the next time Scripture hits close to home, don’t resist it—receive it.