As Christians it’s too easy to begin comparing ourselves with the world and the world’s standards. It’s a slippery slope. We look pretty good compared to a lot of other people. But God didn’t call us to compare ourselves to those in the world or to the world’s standards. We are to compare ourselves to Jesus and the standards set by God’s word. The Bible says we live “in the world but we are not of the world.” (John 17:16) It’s tough when we see moral values and the line between right and wrong blurred for the sake of being unoffensive. When we strive to fit in, to be accepted and included by those who live by the world’s standards we easily become contaminated. It takes just a tiny bit of bacteria, botulism, disease to ravage a body and then quickly spread to those around. That’s how sin works. When we receive a little of it, decide God really didn’t mean what he said when he commanded us to be holy, we open ourselves to impurity.

How do we stay pure in a fallen world, a contaminated society? First, we must commit to God’s way. You can’t navigate life if you don’t know where you’re going. God has posted road signs for us to follow. James 1:22 says don’t just hear what God has to say, do it! Next, you must manage your mind. Proverbs 4:23 says your life is shaped by your thoughts. Sin doesn’t just happen, it starts as a thought, a temptation. The temptation isn’t sin, but acting on it is. Protect your mind. Put garbage in, get garbage out. Proverbs 15:14 says “A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.” Not much explanation needed there. You get to choose. What you feed your mind is just as important as what you feed your body. Parents, monitor and manage your children’s media intake. Their values are being shaped. Who they will become is being formed now.

If you have fallen or realize you are sliding, trying to remain upright on a slippery slope, ask God to forgive you. He will! He will help keep you on the path of purity and righteousness. It’s a lifetime process. You won’t arrive until you reach Heaven’s gates, but God will strengthen you and keep you on the right path if you allow His word to be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Ps 119:105).

Scriptures: 2 Chronicles 7:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; Philippians 1:9-10; Isaiah 6:5; 1 Peter 2:11; Romans 12:2; Psalm 119:9; James 1:22; Luke 6:46; Proverbs 4:23; 2 Timothy 2:22; Proverbs 15:14; 1 Corinthians 10:12

Verses: If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Ch 7:14) For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. (1 Th 4:7)

Questions: What does it mean to be holy? What safeguards have you put in place to keep from being contaminated by the world’s standards? Is fitting in with non-Christian friends important to you? How can you associate with non-Christian friends without compromising your values?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, the thought of holiness is so foreign to my human understanding that striving for it seems impossible. Guide my steps as I seek your path. Keep me on the way that leads to fullness of life. Give me wisdom and strength to protect my mind and heart from the contamination of this world. Thank you for making me holy through Jesus’ blood shed for me. In His holy name I pray, amen.