CONCERT OF PRAYER Pray Week 736

“Environmental Pollution”

Nehemiah 4:15 (NIV) When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his own work. … Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other …
———————————————————————-
Environmental pollution is all around us. Oil spills pollute our oceans, toxic waste leaches into our underground aquifer and noxious fumes are spewed into the air we breathe. The recent earthquake and nuclear reactor disaster in Japan testifies to how easily we are impacted by the pollution of our environment. We are also impacted by our environment on other levels. Have you ever noticed how your work or family environment impacts you physically, emotionally, and spiritually? Harassment and sin habits take on many forms but the end result is the same in that they create a toxic environment either at work or at home.

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. – Psalm 18:2

Our homes are to be a place of refuge from the toxicity and evil of our world environment. They are to be a safe place characterized by the peace and love of Christ. This environmental protection begins with committed spousal/parental personal relationships with Jesus Christ. We cannot lead our spouse or children to Christ if we are not following Christ ourselves.

“…choose this day whom you will serve … But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”- Joshua 24:15

Our work environments can be equally toxic. Some people become ill with dread of the thought of going to work each day because of the harassment and/or sin present in that environment. More commonly we find that we pick up worldly and sinful habits from being immersed in our work environments day after day. It may be the habit of coarse talking or joking. The immorality of the environment seeks to get ‘under your skin’ and before you know it you find you are drawn into unhealthy relationships or speaking vulgarities.

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33

As Christians we are to be in this world but not of it. We are to be salt and light in a rotting and dark world environment.

…we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. – 2 Corinthians 5:20

As ambassadors for Christ we cannot run and hide in a commune and wait for His second coming. So how are we to protect ourselves from spiritual corruption while working to ‘clean up’ the pollution surrounding us? We do so by wearing the ‘HAZMAT’ suit of the whole armor of God.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. – Ephesians 6:13

Just as the workers under Nehemiah’s leadership carried a weapon in one hand and worked with the other, we too are to be equipped with the armor and weaponry of God as we step out of the refuge of our homes each day. May your homes be a refuge of Jesus Christ and a sanctuary of His presence, unpolluted and pure. May you and your family be fully equipped with the full armor and weaponry of God before venturing out each day. May you carry His cleansing and purifying light and presence with you into this dark and environmentally polluted world.

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & dedication of your work to the glory of God