Pollution

Read Daniel 1:1-20 and Galatians 5:16-25

Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the ... king's meat, nor the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
-Daniel 1:8 (KJV)

IN secondary school I learned about three types of pollution: water, air, and land. I want to elaborate on pollution of the land. My teacher said that pollutants defile our land and make it infertile. Polluted land causes crops not to yield because it prevents seeds from germinating.

In the same way that pollutants affect the growth of plants, sin affects the growth of Christians. Not only that; sin of any kind prevents us from seeing and reflecting the glory of God. Some of these pollutants are stealing, lying, fighting, committing sexual sin, and so forth.

For Daniel, defilement or pollution was eating the king's meat or drinking his wine; so he "purposed in his heart" not to touch them. For Christians, defilement means getting involved in actions that God has forbidden. Like Daniel, we can purpose in our hearts to live in ways that honor God and give God a holy temple.

Michael Osei Frimpong (Greater Accra, Ghana)

Words That Help

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:6-24

Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
-1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

WHEN my daughter was six, I underwent abdominal surgery. For a while afterward, I was unable to bend at the waist. The first time I bent over to get something from the floor, she squealed with excitement, "Mommy, you picked it up! That means you're getting better!" Although bending was painful, my daughter's words comforted me.

We encourage people to build them up. Paul urged the Thessalonians to encourage, to help, and to be patient. This is also God's will for us today. When we make conscious choices to encourage others - speaking a positive comment, complimenting a job well done, and having an understanding heart - God uses us to help them. Our words can inspire courage, hope, and confidence.

By following the guidance of scripture as part of our daily routine, we can make encouragement a lifestyle. First Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us how: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances." Then we can fully encourage others according to God's will.

by Danita Donnachie (California, USA)