August 20, 2020

Brothers and Sisters,

(James 1:27)  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Here we see James instructing us to keep ourselves unspotted from the world.  As we’ve seen this week in our morning devotions, there are several instances in the Bible that warn us about getting entangled with the world.  As Christians it is expected of us to come out of the world and live a separated life (separated from the world and separated unto the Lord).

God knew that this would be the most difficult thing we would have to do in order to live a life that is pleasing to him.  We must live in this world while at the same time separate ourselves from the world.  You might say, “How is this possible?”

This world is controlled by Satan.  He is the prince of this world and is called the prince of the power of the air.  He is a deceiver and a liar.  He walks about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.  Since this world is being controlled by Satan, it stands to reason that he will use everything this world has to offer to lure you and I into his traps.

So, the first step in keeping ourselves unspotted from the world is to be aware of Satan’s traps (devices).  (2 Corinthians 2:11)  Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 

How can we be knowledgeable concerning Satan’s devices?  The only way we can discern the difference between the truth and a lie is to know the truth.  When you know the truth then you will not fall for Satan’s lies.  The world tries to blur the lines concerning truth.  They tell us that there are no absolutes in life.  They twist the truth to fit their own narrative.  Anytime the truth is twisted it then becomes a lie.  The only real truth can be found in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and once you get to know him then He gives you the gift of the Holy Spirit who will guide you into all truth.  Knowing the truth will help us to not be ignorant of Satan’s devices.

Once you see it through spiritual eyes it becomes really simple.  How can we live in this world and keep ourselves unspotted from the world?  The only way is to have personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  It is impossible for the natural man to live separated from the world.  We must have Jesus living not only in us, but through us.  Jesus must have total control of our lives.  The Apostle Paul probably said it best, (Galatians 2:20)  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Once we have died out to self and turned our life over to Christ, then the life that we now live is by the faith of the Son of God.  As we live our lives by faith keeping our eyes upon the Lord Jesus Christ, it is then and only then that we can come out from among the world and be separate.  This is the way we can live unspotted from the world.

Does this mean we will live perfect? No, only one person could do that and they nailed him to a cross.  So, don’t get discouraged when you mess up.  Just get back up and keep moving forward.  Someone told me years ago, “if you mess up, then fess up”.  This means to confess your wrongdoing and God will forgive you (I John 1:9) and keep on living for him.

Bro. Rick