CLEANLINESS - WHY SO IMPORTANT?

Another Bible principle that can help in the management of a household is found at 2 Corinthians 7:1. There we read: "Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit."  Those who obey these inspired words are acceptable to Jehovah, who requires "worship that is clean and undefiled." (James 1:27)  And their household receives associated benefits. 

For example, the Bible assures us that the day will come when disease and sickness will be no more. At that time, "no resident will say: "I am sick.' " (Isaiah 33:24; Revelation 21:4, 5)  Until then, however, every family has to handles sickness from time to time.  Even Paul and Timothy got sick.  (Galatians 4:13; 1 Timothy 5:23) Still, medical experts say that much sickness is preventable.  Wise families escape some preventable illnesses if they avoid fleshly and spiritual uncleanness. Let us consider how. -Compare Proverbs 22:3.

Cleanness of spirit includes moral cleanness.  As is well-known, the Bible promotes high moral standards and condemns any kind of sexual intimacy outside marriage.  "Neither fornicators, . . .nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes,nor men who lie with men, nor women who lie with women, . . .will inherit God's kingdom." (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10)  Observing these strict standards is very important for Christians living in today's degenerate world.  Doing so pleases God and also helps to protect the family from sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.- Proverbs 7:10-23.  

Next time: Continue with CLEANLINESS -WHY SO IMPORTANT?

From the book: THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996