Topical Bible: Diligence: Guarding Against Defilement

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Diligence, in the biblical context, refers to a persistent and careful effort to live according to God's commandments and to maintain spiritual purity. The concept of guarding against defilement is deeply rooted in Scripture, emphasizing the need for believers to remain vigilant in their walk with God, avoiding anything that might corrupt their faith or moral integrity.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently underscores the importance of diligence in the life of a believer. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse highlights the necessity of protecting one's inner being from influences that could lead to spiritual defilement. The heart, in biblical terms, is the seat of emotions, thoughts, and will, and thus requires careful guarding to ensure it remains pure and aligned with God's will.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to be diligent in their spiritual pursuits. In 2 Timothy 2:15 , he writes, "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth." This call to diligence involves a commitment to studying and applying Scripture, thereby safeguarding oneself against false teachings and moral compromise.

Guarding Against Defilement

Defilement, in the biblical sense, refers to the corruption or pollution of one's spiritual and moral state. The Old Testament law provided numerous regulations to prevent physical and ceremonial defilement, which served as a metaphor for spiritual purity. Leviticus 11:44 commands, "For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, because I am holy." This call to holiness requires a diligent effort to avoid anything that might lead to spiritual contamination.

In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of inner purity over external rituals. In Mark 7:20-23 , He states, "What comes out of a man, that is what defiles him. For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man." This teaching underscores the need for vigilance in guarding one's thoughts and intentions, as these are the sources of true defilement.

Practical Application

To guard against defilement, believers are encouraged to practice spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other Christians. Hebrews 12:1-2 urges, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." This passage calls for a proactive approach to spiritual growth, emphasizing the need to remove anything that hinders one's relationship with God.

Moreover, believers are called to be discerning about the influences they allow into their lives. Philippians 4:8 provides guidance: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." By focusing on virtuous and godly attributes, Christians can protect themselves from the defilement of worldly influences.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide a specific conclusion on the topic of diligence in guarding against defilement, it consistently encourages believers to remain steadfast in their pursuit of holiness. Through diligent effort and reliance on God's grace, Christians can maintain spiritual purity and live lives that honor God.

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Hebrews 12:15
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
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Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... be applied to God; or as when diligence is manifested in guarding conjugal chastity ...
calls them His wife, and warns them against committing adultery ...
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