How can we discern spiritual "contamination" in our lives, as in Leviticus 13:49? The Picture in Leviticus 13:49 “and if the spot in the fabric or leather, or in the warp or weft, or in any leather article is greenish or reddish, it is a diseased spot and must be shown to the priest.” (Leviticus 13:49) Leviticus treats mildew as more than an eyesore; it is an uncleanness that spreads unless exposed and dealt with. The text supplies a living illustration of how sin—spiritual contamination—can settle into ordinary places of life and quietly corrupt. Why the Stain Matters • Sin defiles what should be devoted to God (Isaiah 59:2). • Contamination spreads: “A little leaven leavens the whole batch.” (1 Corinthians 5:6) • Unchecked impurity robs us of fellowship and testimony (Isaiah 1:18; 1 Peter 1:15-16). Where Spiritual Contamination Hides Today • Thought life: lingering bitterness, lust, unbelief (Matthew 5:27-28). • Speech: gossip, coarse joking, half-truths (Ephesians 4:29). • Relationships: unforgiveness, manipulation, envy (James 3:14-16). • Habits and media: entertainment that normalizes sin (Psalm 101:3). • Stewardship: greed, waste, dishonest gain (1 Timothy 6:9-10). Tests for Detection Like Israel brought garments to a priest, we bring our hearts to the Lord. • Scripture test – hold attitudes and actions against the mirror of the Word (Hebrews 4:12). • Spirit’s conviction – heed the gentle “spotlight” of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8). • Fruit test – examine outcomes: are love, joy, peace increasing or is decay setting in? (Galatians 5:22-23). • Community test – accept loving correction from mature believers (Proverbs 27:6). Responding Once the Stain Is Found 1. Acknowledge: “Search me, O God… see if there is any offensive way in me.” (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Confess specifically: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). 3. Remove the source: cut off whatever feeds the impurity (Matthew 5:29-30). 4. Apply the cross: trust the finished work of Christ for cleansing (Hebrews 9:14). 5. Restore fellowship: replace the old pattern with obedience (Ephesians 4:22-24). Guarding Against Future Contamination • Daily washing in the Word (Ephesians 5:26). • Ongoing dependence on the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). • Transparent fellowship with believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Quick repentance when new spots appear (2 Corinthians 7:1). • Vigilant boundary-setting: “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11). The same God who called for mildew-stained garments to be examined and cleansed now calls us to live unstained by the world (James 1:27). He provides everything needed—His Word, His Spirit, and the blood of His Son—to discern and remove every trace of spiritual contamination. |
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