|
|
Pure Religion - by Dick Hilleary James tells us that pure religion is among other things, keeping oneself from being polluted by the world (James 1:27). This does not mean from the natural world as God created it. Rather, it is the world of people in their rebellion against and alienation from God. John further elaborates on this as he admonishes us to not love the world or anything in the world (1 John 2:15). He says that, "If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." Once again, the meaning is not the world of people or the created world. Rather, it is the world or realm of sin which is controlled by Satan and organized against God an righteousness. Most reading this would say that this does not apply to them. But I would ask that the reader check his or her level of commitment to the "world" or the kingdom of God. It can be determined by the amount of time spent thinking about spiritual values. Do you try to "acknowledge Him in All your ways" (Prov. 3:16)? Do you "delight yourself" in God's Word and spend time in it (Ps. 1:2)? Are you faithful to hearing the Word as you ought (Rom. 10:17)? Do you make the necessary effort to "seek His kingdom first" (Matt. 6:33)? Are you consistently a "peacemaker" (Matt. 5:9)? Is all this important? Well, our Master told us that it is the pure in heart who will see the Lord (Matt. 5:8). Such "purity" in heart, mind and spirit is a product of on-going effort on the part of the believer. It is to that end that Doug and I have committed ourselves and this church to the current Partners in Progress" endeavor. Not only do we all need to make that effort for ourselves, but for the many "out there" who will lose an eternity with God. No professing believer is exempt. Selah (think on it). |