Impurity is trending in America and in much of the world.
In some ways, it’s as if we have returned to the world of the New Testament. It would be difficult to find a world more immoral than the first century. However, it seems that the 21st century is doing its best to rival the first.
In the first century, immorality of all kinds ran rampant. Into that world the gospel made a difference by making a difference in people’s hearts.
What can the church do to be a blessing to our world and help stem the trend of immorality and impurity?
First, we can guard our minds. As we deal with immorality and impurity, we can guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) and renew our minds. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1-2).
There are many things in life that cannot happen to us if we do not allow those things in our lives. Guarding your mind and heart is a wonderful guard against impurity.
Second, find strength and encouragement from God. Seek God and seek good for your life. Fill your heart with the pure and you don’t have much room for the impure. I grew up with cattle. I learned that an acre of ground can only support a minimal number of cattle. Put too many cattle in a pasture and all will suffer.
If you fill your mind with the strength and encouragement of God’s word and God’s presence, you will “starve out” the impure.
Third, share the hope of Christ with others. The answer to the trending of impurity is not more rules or better education, it is helping others find the true hope for their lives. As we make Christ known, we will also change the shape of our world.
Finally, place your hope in Christ. Trust Him. The same God who changed the first century can change the 21st. Let us not be weary in doing well, but let us be faithful in serving Christ.
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5 Responses
Colonial revolutionary Sam Adams said this: “The diminution of public virtue is usually attended with that of public happiness, and the public liberty will not long survive the total extinction of morals.” I believe our day is darker than that of the NT era and the light of the Gospel is our only hope and solution. May we who follow Christ not get so bogged down in trivial pursuits that we neglect that which is the most important thing: The Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you for reminding us.
Thank you for leading Northshore Baptists and taking the time to respond.
Great directions!
Without realizing verses 3-6, etc. of Romans 12 et al, one can find oneself in a vacuum alone with no more than the Holy Spirit and Christ. While that is indeed sufficient, being a martyr is not building the Kingdom among those whom already believe they have their truth, their god. Christ has already made the Sacrifice! Haven’t we become, as a people, exactly what the Apostle Paul warned us about becoming? And yet, Paul was still able to be thankful the Name/cause if not the Character of Christ was being made known/taken-up. Thus, providing the Holy Spirit more with which to work in people who had lost their way serving their fleshly needs and still desiring the prize of Heaven. Can’t judge, but as you advise, I can read and pray Psalms 139: 17-24, an awakening.
Blessings
Such a timely sbeujct and close to my heart on several levels. In our culture I think it is more acceptable to struggle with drugs or alcohol than it is to struggle with lust. As a wife it is hard to see an area men so desperately need support on be so taboo. How different would those struggles be, especially for Christians, if people were able to share their hearts with one another in support and accountability? As a mom of boys, it is hard to watch them struggle with this. Sure we are responsible for our own sin and we can’t excuse ourselves by blaming others. But by the same token we are also responsible for how we lead others, whether it be to sin or away from it. I know most adolescent and teen girls don’t even realize. But as parents of those girls, we hold some responsibility to teach them.
That live with nature one is my fave. Especially when you stop and realise that all the letters are basic shapes, like the triangle A and the half circle Es. Hotness!