" . . . keep (yourselves) . . . unspotted from the world." James 1:27
We hear much today about contamination. For instance, we are keenly aware of radioactivity and how it can adversely affect our physical being. We know too of disease germs and viruses that attack us when we come in contact with them; but are we equally conscious of the danger of spiritual contamination?
Recently the Audubon Society called attention to the senseless slaughter of thousands of Atlantic sea birds due to the needless dumping of oil and other like substances from the ocean-going ships. The smallest amount of this material on a bird's body mats its feathers. This interferes with their proper function in flight and in providing insulation. Tests prove that a spot of oil no larger than a twenty-five cent piece will work its way through the feathers of a sea bird to bring about slow but certain death from exposure and starvation. So too, a Christian may become spotted and contaminated by dabbling in the things of the world. Compromise with evil at first may appear trifling, but if left unchecked, worldliness will permeate the character to such an extent that the testimony of the individual will become wholly ineffective.
Noah sent out two birds from the ark. One was a raven - a ceremonially unclean creature; the other, a dove, was typical of the Spirit of God and holiness. The raven did not return to the ark, even though the waters were still upon the earth. No doubt it found a place to rest upon the floating body of some dead animal. The second bird, however - a ceremonially clean creature - returned to Noah, for she could find "no rest for the sole of her foot." The dove would not alight upon an unclean thing like a corpse! Someone has said, "in a world of sin we too have the choice of being a raven or a dove - unclean or clean - spotted or unspotted."
By the power of grace let us keep ourselves uncontaminated from the things of the world.
"Bread For Each Day"
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