How can we avoid modern equivalents of "pigs and mice" in our lives? Setting the Scene: Why Isaiah Mentions Pigs and Mice Isaiah 66:17: “Those who consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves, following one in the center, who eat the flesh of pigs and vermin and rats, will perish together,” declares the LORD. • Pigs (Leviticus 11:7) and mice (Leviticus 11:29) were ceremonially unclean. • The prophet uses them as vivid shorthand for willful defilement—people indulging in what God clearly forbids while pretending to be “purified.” Translating the Picture to Today • Christ has fulfilled the ceremonial law (Mark 7:19; Acts 10:15), yet God’s call to holiness remains (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Modern “pigs and mice” are anything we knowingly consume, practice, or endorse that God labels unclean—morally, spiritually, or mentally. Recognizing Modern Equivalents • Media that celebrates sexual immorality, violence, or blasphemy (Ephesians 5:3-4). • Business practices that thrive on deceit or exploitation (Proverbs 11:1). • Substances or habits that dull the mind and enslave the body (1 Corinthians 6:12). • Relationships that consistently pull us toward sin (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Philosophies that deny Christ’s lordship or elevate self above God (Colossians 2:8). Guardrails to Keep Unclean Things Off the Menu • Daily intake of Scripture—“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word” (Psalm 119:9). • Regular heart-checks before God (Psalm 139:23-24). • Filtering entertainment and information: “Whatever is true…lovely…commendable…think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). • Active accountability: trusted believers who can ask hard questions (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Immediate repentance when convicted (1 John 1:9). • Replacing the unclean with what builds up—service, worship, fellowship (Romans 12:1-2). Why the Effort Is Worth It • Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Holiness makes the gospel attractive to outsiders (Matthew 5:16). • Avoiding spiritual pollution preserves intimacy with God (James 4:8). • We are preparing for “a new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). Grace-Fueled Confidence Titus 2:11-12: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” • Grace not only forgives our past indulgence in “pigs and mice”; it empowers present victory. • Christ’s sacrifice cleanses; His Spirit enables; His return motivates. Let’s stay clean for Him. |
    |