Saturday, February 26, 2011

Scripture Saturday--Free from worldy influence

He who practices virtue and speaks honestly, who spurns what is gained by oppression, Brushing his hands free of contact with a bribe, stopping his ears lest he hear of bloodshed, closing his eyes lest he look on evil--He shall dwell on the heights, his stronghold shall be the rocky fastness, his food and drink in steady supply.
~Isaiah 33: 15-16
We are called to remain unaffected by the world. This is not an easy task. Isaiah tells us those who close their eyes and ears to violence and evil will have a sure foundation on which to lean.

Today, our culture is surrounded and indeed, infused with advertisements, which are nothing but lies in an attempt to influence us, not only to purchase certain products, but to have particular world views.

Instead we should cultivate peace.

In his letter to the Philippians, Saint Paul tells us,
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
~Philippians 4:8

Cultivate the peace and love of God by meditating on His Love and asking Him to allow us to be vessels of that love to others.

3 comments:

  1. Great post. The hardest for me is work gossip. I can't rightly leave the room, kwim? I have learned over the years, though, how to not participate in the conversation and even to redirect my attention to something else, if at all possible.

    Peace and love is the answer. Compassion.

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  2. Compassion is so important to cultivate. I think it really reflects the love of God.

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