We can also look at this verse in terms of what Christ did for us. Christ went to the least loved people and ministered to them. He came to this earth and died for us so that we can be in union with Him forever. There is no way that we can ever repay Him. He came to this earth out of love for us, and we get to go to others with that same love and expect nothing in return.
Last Tuesday, I went to a 3 day premiere of the "Dropbox" movie. (This movie is not in theaters anymore but here's the trailer if you're curious) This movie tells the story of Pastor Lee who lives in South Korea. Pastor Lee has a heart for special needs and orphans, and he created a “dropbox” which is a pull down latchdoor in the side of his building where mothers can put their babies that they would have otherwise abandoned. Pastor Lee welcomes the least loved of society into his home, knowing that he is receiving nothing in return.
Going back to James 1:27.. the second part of this verse talk about distractions. When I think of keeping ourselves from being polluted by the world, I think of an accident scene or a fire. You know what I mean..you are going by a fire or an accident and you know you shouldn’t look, you shouldn’t be nosy, you should keep your eyes on the road. But, you just have to take a quick peak, right? How similar is that to life?
God sent his one and only Son to come to this world to die for us. And for those that believe in this, we are children of God! Amen! We then love and serve a loving Father and we desire to bring other children into the family. We want to welcome other people into this family where we are eternally saved, protected, loved, challenged, and so much more. But, oh look, there’s pollution from the world that we know we shouldn’t look at..but we just take a “quick” look. Just a few hours watching a television program. Just a “quick” tour of the Facebook homepage. Just a “quick”…
I’m not saying that we shouldn’t have a good time or any hobbies. What I’m saying to myself and to you, is that we should be careful that our “quick” time with the pollution of this world should not come in the way of our relationship with God or our desire/time to bring other children into His family.
Distractions can come disguised, something that looks good at first. But we are told that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion searching for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Do not let the sun go down while you are angry or the devil may get a foothold in your life (Ephesians 4:26-27). And a foothold turns into a stronghold, a web of lies that is deep and hurtful if not dealt with.
If you are deep in the pollution of this world and can’t see out of the smoke, talk with someone and ask them to pray with and for you. And turn to God. God tells us “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14