Tag Archives: corruption

October 4
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“But our citizenship is in heaven.  And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”  (Philippians 3:20, NIV)

Today’s verse is taken from a larger scripture passage (Philippians 3:1-21) where Paul addresses the challenges — and the frustrations — in aspiring to live a holy life in the midst of corruption.

We tend to think of “corruption” as a synonym for “evil.”  It is not.

Corruption occurs in any instance where some thing’s (or someone’s) true form or function is shaped or used for a lesser purpose.  For example, using a kitchen knife as a screwdriver is a corruption of the design and purpose of the knife.  The knife will do the job of driving a screw, but often with permanent damage to the knife tip.  Better to just use the correct tool for the job, right?

We bear the signs of “corruption” in our body and mind.  We are in physical decline, although we are eternal beings.  We dream of heaven’s glories while toiling for the trinkets of earth.  We are citizens of heaven living under the laws of earth.  We were not created for this!

The solution to our corruption is the Savior.  His advent will end our exile.  In the meantime, wait — and work — in faithfulness toward that day.  – Luther

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October 7
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“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20, NIV)

Today’s verse is taken from a larger scripture passage (Philippians 3:1-21) where Paul addresses the challenges — and the frustrations — in aspiring to live a holy life in the midst of corruption.

We tend to think of corruption as a synonym for evil.  It is not.

Corruption occurs in any instance where some thing’s (or someone’s) true form or function is shaped or used for a lesser purpose. For example, using a kitchen knife as a screwdriver is a corruption of the design and purpose of the knife. The knife will do the job of driving a screw, but often with permanent damage to the knife tip.  Better to just use the correct tool for the job, right?

We bear the signs of corruption in our body and mind. We are in physical decline, although we have immortal souls. We dream of heaven’s eternal glories, yet we toil for the trinkets of time. We are citizens of heaven, but we live under the laws of earth. God did not create us for this!

The solution to our corruption is the Savior. His advent will end our exile. In the meantime, wait — and work — in faithfulness toward that day.  – Luther

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August 30
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“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’” (I Corinthians 15:33, NASB)

. . . or the modern corollary to St. Paul’s maxim: “You cannot soar with eagles when you run with turkeys.”

Lest we think that what is referenced here is our associations (as in, “avoid troubled people because their troubles will rub-off on you”), that is not the case. Young’s Literal Translation of this verse reads: “Be not led astray; evil communications corrupt good manners.” (Italics added.)

The J. B. Phillips Translation of this verse gives us even more clarity: “Don’t let yourselves be deceived. Talking about things that are not true is bound to be reflected in practical conduct.” (Italics added.)

As disciplesof Jesus, if God chooses to put us in dark places (as He may), it is because we are “the light of the world”; our job is to shine for Him! If God chooses to put us in places where the risk of moral decay is imminent (as He will), it is because we are “the salt of the earth”; our job is to be salty — and preserve! (Please see Matthew 5:13-16 for the complete text.)

Today, and everyday, may our personal ambition as “light and salt” be gracious manners in a coarse world; the purest
intentions in a jaded and skeptical sphere; and truthful utterances in a community where the “truth” is often an amalgam of reality, convenience, and veiled self-interest.

Do not be fooled: Words that are gracious, pure, and truthful do bring hope, light, and life to others! However, when we allow gossip, innuendo, and lies to invade our communications with others, it is our own daily conduct, moral authority, and personal character that is corrupted — and we become the problem instead of the solution.  – Luther

 
 
 
 
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