Philippians chapter 2, particularly verses 3, 4,15 and Philippians 4:8). Although our age may not be any worse than some in the past, mental pollution (the defilement of the mind) should not be lost sight of in the cry for a cleaner environ ment. With the Christian's concern over polluted water, scarred land scape, and impure air, there must also be an indignant cry against the defilement of the inner man as well. While we are officially attempt ing to clean up the environment, by lack of voice and effort we are saying that it is all right to defile the mind. Daily we subject our mind to a life style that condones disrespect, immorality, profanity, and lack of self-control. Self-con trol and respect for others and for Cod's creation are essential fab rics of a productive society. The baser life style of the age has so permeated our literature and en tertainment media that we seem to be slowly accepting it as the norm. The polluted mind that "does its own thing" without regard for others has become our common denominator. In the best of times, it is difficult to keep the mind focused on pro ductive thought. Today the attack is such that many Christians suc cumb. Peter tells us Christians can be influenced and become entangled in the "pollution of the world." For Peter, pollution (Miasma) meant to defile or alter by staining .And when a Christian succumbs to what Peter calls the love of the undisci plined life, his life is altered and he becomes a slave to the "ser vants of corruption" (II Peter 2:19, 20 ). Though pollution comes in many
tan airports may not do as well in their school work as their contem poraries in quieter settings. He as saults the city dweller with con stant noises so that the quiet of the country disturbs him on the first night of his vacation and he has difficulty sleeping. Most damning of all, man pollutes the mind of his neighbor. By sight and sound, man is constantly assaulted. We can turn our eyes away or attempt to close out the debilitat ing din, but the daily assault takes its toll. Soon the constant diet of absurd advertising claims on bill boards, in print, on television and radio, makes the mediocre appear most acceptable and the excellent an exception to be analyzed in awe. Truth, integrity, and respect for our fellowman's ability to think ration ally has been polluted — defiled to the point where truth is altered for sales, and integrity and respect are distorted beyond recognition. Further, the subtle use of sex to entertain or sell goods touches all with either sight or hearing. And the blatant use of sex and pornog raphy seems daily to move closer to general acceptance as the "American way of life." Whether we like it or not, the Christian's mind is being bom barded with material that hinders its proper function. The Christian is to walk in fellowship with God, a walk that is possible through Christ's death and resurrection. The Christian is to be unselfish, show ing love and respect for others. Ideally, he is to be without defect. Or, if you will, unpolluted in a pol luted society. His mind operates on the basis of that which is truthful, honest, just, pure, lovely, positive, virtuous, and praise-worthy. (Note
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