James 3:17 “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure,….”
Another translation of pure is clear thinking, another chaste, but the focus is plain. It is certainly apart from the world.
If the world is anything, it is first sensual. All of the advertising is a temptation for the lust of the eyes or the lust of the flesh. The meals are the most scrumptious looking, all of the people in the ads for fast food are fit and trim, and all of the people in the clothing or perfume/aftershave commercials look like models. (oh wait, they are)
But we should be focused on what the Lord is thinking behind this world’s view.
Can I keep my mind stayed on the Lord and treat men like my brothers and all women like my sisters?
Is there thinking beyond what will affect my body?
In Phil 3:19, we get a picture of what God thinks of people who’s mind is only for themselves. He frames it this way: “Whose God is their belly and whose glory is their shame.”
We may have been led by our eyes and bellies for a while, but God has called us to a higher calling.
Purity in thought, followed by clarity in action.
Pastor Brent