Mind Pollution

Verse of the Day:

James 1:27

²⁷ Religion that our God accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to try to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. 

We all know that the Bible was written a long time ago.  So sometimes it’s hard to take what is written and put it into terms that we use today.   For example, how often are we asked to look after orphans and widows?  I’m gonna guess you’re not asked too often.  But God is really just asking us to be with anyone (sooo I guess that could be an orphan or widow!) when they are having a hard time.  The way that we really serve God is by doing what He would do.  And obviously He would be there to comfort people in their suffering!

The part of this verse that hits me the hardest is ‘…to try to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.’  Woah.  Polluted is defined as making something impure or contaminated.  There are so many ways that we are polluted by the world on a daily basis.  We are told that it’s cool to drink, smoke and have sex.  We are told it’s not fun to be a Christian.  We are peer pressured into situations we don’t want to be a part of.  We look at Seventeen or Cosmogirl and think we need to be skinny and pretty to be happy.  All these things are polluting our minds to make us think that we need to be something other than the person God made us to be.  You are made in His image and the only person you need approval from is Him!  Don’t let your mind be corrupted by what the world is telling you.  God expects us to be pure, loving and faithful to Him.

The Simple Truth:  The world is constantly trying to make you its own.  Know that you are God’s.  Keep your mind on the person God wants you to be, not the person the world wants you to be.

Reflect:  Who or what makes me feel like I’m being polluted by the world?

Apply:  As hard as it is, try to see yourself in God’s image!  Know that you don’t have to be the skinniest, the prettiest or drink in order for Him to think you’re amazing.

Pray:

Lord, please help me to notice when people are having a difficult time and to be Your hands and feet in order to serve them like You want me to.  Keep my mind and heart clean and pure and show me how to get away from the pollution of the world.  Thank You God for making me in Your image.  Amen.

Peace, love & prayers-

K