Living Clean in A Dirty World

Scriptures: (John 16:33 NKJ) “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation: But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 17:17) “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth.

The Christian’s physical life is called to a chaste and clean one. Spiritually that life is lived by faith and with a mind focused on serving the Lord and others. Spiritually we are washed in the blood of Christ. The better part of this life is that it is lived out in Christ -- separated by His Word of truth which never changes.

A clean life and a dirty life are opposites. For, as light and dark cannot be mistaken for the other. The clean life is a life lived in a godly righteous way, for God is holy. The term dirty, represents a worldly centered life, (People/things) that is focused on man’s rules/laws, evil elements which change. A clean life is lived each day hinged to honest, truth, love, humility with one another in mind in every way. The world leans toward their own choice of television programs, movies, music, reading materials, etc.,  which displays explicit vulgar language, evil subject matter,  and human sexuality without a filter. They attribute simple living, quietness, reading the Bible and church going, as a waste of living and an awful unacceptable way to live life.

A person living clean must have accepted Christ in their heart-having God on their side and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, it would be impossible to withstand temptations (any other personal attacks) without Christ’s strength. You need Christ to end the old life and put on the new ( Eph. 4:17,- 5:14). You need Christ’s resurrection to have a new clean beginning. He knows the way of salvation and the forgiveness of sin. Beloved, rely on Christ, and He will direct your paths (Prov. 3:5,6); Acts 16:31); (Rom. 10:9-11); (II Tim. 2:10-13). Be strengthened by what God says about the world. Yes, God made the world and all that dwells therein. He commanded that we love not the world or the things in the world. Those things might be money, houses, clothes, cars, jewelry, or any pleasurable device. Do not be carried away by the government, sports, or fashions/fads of the world.  All of such things are fleeting, and temporal  pleasures, which will pass away. The things of the world --  lust of the flesh ( I John 2:15), lust of the eyes ( II Pet. 2:14), and the pride of life ( I John 2:16) which brings  one low. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Blessed is he who endures temptation while living a clean life within the world’s system. For he who does the will of God will abide forever.

The clean life is lived by those who are committed to following Christ -- the righteous one who was obedient to the end. Being molded and shaped daily to be Jesus, walking toward the mark of the high calling -- focused on things above. This person’s life is lived by higher standards than the world offers. Such persons are governed by divine standards. God has Holy and divine standards which do not change. A believers’ strength comes from the Lord. He has the strength to stay within the boundaries of God’s righteous standard.  Anything outside of the boundaries of God’s standard is subject to His righteous judgement.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, You are God all by Yourself. Thank you for Your love,  Your grace and Your mercy. For You have given to the World Your only begotten Son, and whosoever believes on Him shall not perish but have everlasting life in Him. In You, Lord Jesus, we have our being, and live and move according to Your divine righteous plan. In Jesus’ name. Amen

(by Novella D Carpenter)