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Pollution
The New International Version states: Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27
How does one keep from getting polluted by the world? The air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat are all polluted. The newspapers, magazines, radio and TV are all polluted. Most religious teachings are polluted. It is not easy to keep from getting polluted.
Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult (Strong^s number 2346) is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13 and 14; compare Luke 13:23 to 25)
The King James version uses the word unspotted rather than polluted, as in an unspotted or without blemish animal. The first thing that comes to mind is not to get yourself tattooed. But realistically it means not to adapt lies to your beliefs, utterances and teachings. Only Jesus was without sin among humans and we are to adapt His teachings. The way to avoid harboring false beliefs is to not have any until they have been tested in the fire, so to speak, or proven through scripture. It helps to have competent teachers.
To remain unspotted also means not to adapt sinful ways such as breaking or redefining the ten commandments. The God family created us in their own image, we are to emulate them. Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness, Genesis 1:26 (NASV) Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father. John 14:12 (ASV)
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God^s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person, such a man is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God^s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. Ephesians 5:1 to 7
Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy. 17 And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each man^s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay upon earth, 1 Peter 1:13 to 17 (NASV)
Our most powerful asset is the Word. Let us keep from speaking gibberish but rather speak in translatable tongues. As Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 14:18 to 20 (ASV) I thank God, I speak with tongues more than you all: howbeit in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. Brethren, be not children in mind: yet in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men.
Paul here tells us quite plainly that he spoke several languages, probably Greek, Aramaic, Hebrew and Latin. The Corinthians probably spoke Greek mostly and possibly a little of other languages or tongues. Paul was pointing out to them that even a little of a language can be useful. He also implied that to speak baby talk or sounds that have no meaning was not the way of men. Use speech to clarify and explain not to pollute.
He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself. 8 Do not reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you, Reprove a wise man, and he will love you. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser, Teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:7 to 10
The naive believes everything, But the prudent man considers his steps. Proverbs 14:15 (NASV)
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16 and 17 (NASV)
2007 Jacques Gauvin
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