Separate from uncleanness. Leviticus 15:31. There is much that can defile a believer today. The uncleanness that arises from uncontrolled and unchanneled thoughts is one example. The Lord Himself indicated that what comes from within is what defiles a person. I must dedicate myself to “thought control” so I am not defiled and unable to worship or fellowship with God. “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he,” convicts me and reminds me that I am to “bring every thought into control to the obedience of Christ.”
There are actions I may choose that can defile me. Some actions will only defile me; others will defile others. Peter led some of his fellow disciples back to the fishing boat after they had been called to a higher purpose. If I allow discouragement to affect my commitment to the work I have been called to, I am defiled and need to separate myself again to the work. “Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord.”
Actions and words from others can defile me if I let myself focus on things that appeal to my fleshly impulses. Much of what I see or read creates a feeling of dissatisfaction, as if something is missing in my life if I don’t acquire every new thing. All advertising is designed to make people unhappy, and if I give in to everything my treacherous heart desires, I will be defiled. I must be careful not to allow anything that defiles, enters my mouth, or distracts me from the separation from the Lord I am called to.
Even the laws of the land do not permit some things to mix. For different philosophies to coexist, there must be a forum for diverse opinions. One must be clear about whether to obey God or man. Those things that belong solely to God must remain untainted by human preferences' subtlety. May God keep me committed to Him alone, even if I have to separate myself from the ecumenical pressures around me.