| “Get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” |
| —James 1:21 |
After years and years of observing the moral decline in our nation, I still find times when I am shocked by the language, visual images, crude jokes, suggestive attire, disrespectful behavior, and generally immoral attitude that has taken over the lives of more and more people in our land. As Christians, God intends for us to take a stand against evil, not to be drawn into the midst of it and relish the depravity around us. That’s why the Apostle James wrote these words found in James 1:21:
Get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Since he wrote these words in the first century A.D., imagine what the Apostle James would think of our world today? He would probably faint dead away at the sound of the words people speak aloud, the suggestiveness of our clothing, the coarseness of our behavior, and the lasciviousness our choices for entertainment. I can hardly imagine how shocked the Apostle James would feel.
But, we can, and should, feel shocked and dismayed, as well. In response, we should purposefully do our part to stand against evil. How many Christian women watch “The Bachelor” or similar programs? How many Christian men leer at the attire of most women who appear on their television screens? How many Christians have fallen prey to pornography, or gambling, or excessive use of alcoholic beverages, or to the use of mind-altering drugs, or telling dirty jokes, or … ? And it goes on and on and on.
I know, I know, this is not at all a popular topic. It is quite possible that what I have just written will offend many of you reading this blog post. But, you see, I know my own heart. I know how enticing some of the sins that permeate our present age can become. Nevertheless, the call from the Apostle James seems quite clear to me. And, if you’re honest, doesn’t it speak to you, as well?
As we begin another day, while we bask in God’s love for us, let’s not forget the responsibilities we have as His ambassadors to a truly troubled world. When we choose our entertainment, or our clothing, or any other behavior, let’s think more carefully about what would honor Him the most. If we do that, we will surely be much better off.
Based on a blog originally posted on Wednesday, October 31, 2018
