A daily devotional by Dr. K. Neill Foster
for September 21, 2023
| Getting Rid of Everything that Contaminates |
Text: "Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God" 2 Corinthians 7:1.
These days, contamination is a buzzword. Environmental contamination or food contamination triggers dark headlines in a hurry. Even that which contaminates the body is everywhere denounced. Witness the strident campaign against tobacco and the multi-million dollar advertising campaigns against drugs.
Not so many are concerned about the contamination of the spirit. But Paul is. Were he living now in this information era, I am sure he would be appalled by the filth that emanates from the movies, television and the web.
The tender spirits of children are assaulted with violence, pornography and witchcraft. It's bad out there in the world. The earnest Christian, however, should be responding to Paul's mandate to avoid contamination of the spirit in every way possible. We should be frantic to protect our children and grandchildren.
My grandson Ben is three. He's awfully cute, of course --especially when he lisps "lucky guys" as "wucky duys." But his spirit is vulnerable. Grandpa--or as Ben calls me, "Dampa", is very interested in shielding and protecting this wee man from the contamination of the world.
-knf