Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
2 Corinthians 7:1

Engaging in the sinful behavior that used to characterize my life when I didn’t know God defiles my body, obviously. But what defiles my spirit?

The Lord Himself said, "What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person." (Mark 7:20-23)

The world tells us that engaging in “harmless” sinful fantasies is normal and healthy. God says that these things defile a person, and that they will lead to further sin. The sinful thoughts that I allow my mind to dwell on will eventually find expression in word and deed, because they defile my spirit.

So how do I stop them? They’re like having a TV set that’s always on. I can’t turn the TV off, but I can change the channel.

Martin Luther, who lived before there were TV sets, said it this way: “You can’t keep the birds from flying over your head, but you don’t have to let them make nests in your hair.” Sinful thoughts, desires, and feelings will come, but with God’s help I can change the channel. I don’t have to let them grow, much less encourage them or feed them.

God has forgiven me; Jesus has paid the price of my redemption. He has declared me holy, set apart for Him. Now I am called to “bring holiness to completion,” becoming in my own experience what He has declared me to be. As a beloved child who fears breaking his father’s heart by his disobedience, I live in the childlike fear of God, my Father, and I reap the benefits, experiencing the beauty of that loving relationship.

Lord, I can’t do this alone. Thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart, because I could never win this battle for my mind without Your help. Give me the strength I need today to “bring holiness to completion” in my own experience. Amen!

Pastor Dan Giles