What actions can we take to avoid being "corrupt" as described here? Understanding the Danger of Corruption “‘They have all turned away; together they have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.’” (Psalm 14:3) Left unchecked, corruption spreads through thoughts, affections, and actions. Scripture lays out clear steps to keep our lives pure and useful to the Lord. Anchor Your Mind in God’s Word • Daily intake of Scripture renews thinking: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) • Memorize, meditate, and speak the Word; it scrubs out deceptive ideas before they germinate. Confess and Forsake Sin Quickly • “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) • Don’t permit small compromises; immediate repentance keeps the heart tender. Put Off the Old, Put On the New • “Put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires… put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22–24) • Actively replace corrupt habits with righteous ones—exchange gossip for edifying speech, greed for generosity, lust for purity. Guard Your Heart’s Gateways • “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23) • Regulate what enters through eyes and ears. Choose media, conversations, and environments that reinforce holiness. Cultivate God-Centered Relationships • “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33) • Invest in friendships that spur obedience, accountability, and honest encouragement. Walk in the Fear of the Lord • “Perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) • Reverence for God’s holiness produces an internal alarm against compromise. Serve Others in Love • “Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13) • Self-giving love crowds out self-seeking corruption; practical service keeps motives pure. Keep an Eternal Perspective • “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) • Remembering future judgment and reward strengthens present faithfulness and deters corrupt shortcuts. Rely on the Spirit’s Power • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Ongoing surrender to the Spirit supplies strength that human discipline alone cannot produce. By embracing these Scriptural actions, we distance ourselves from corruption and display the integrity that honors Christ. |
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