Spiritual Pollution

Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord.” —1 Samuel 13:13

Source: Our Daily Bread Email Subscription 28 June 2010

Picher, Oklahoma, is no more. In mid-2009, this once-bustling town of 20,000 went out of business. In the first quarter of the 1900s, Picher was a boomtown because of its abundant lead and zinc. Workers extracted the ore, which was used to help arm the US during both World Wars.

The town faded as the ore began to run out—but the biggest problem was that while the lead and zinc brought wealth, they also brought pollution. Because nothing was done to deal with the pollution, Picher became a toxic wasteland, and the government condemned the land.

What happened to Picher can happen to people. Prosperity can look so good that it’s hard to think about possible downsides. Actions that are detrimental to long-term spiritual health are accepted, and unless the problem is corrected, destruction follows. It happened to King Saul. He began as a good king, but in seeking success he failed to see the damage he was doing. Turning his back on God’s commands, he acted “foolishly” (1 Sam. 13:13) and lost his kingdom (v.14).

In our attempts to find success, we need to watch out for spiritual pollution that comes when we fail to follow God’s clear scriptural guidelines. Godly living always beats toxic living. —Dave Branon

The Lord has given us commands
And told us to obey;
Our own designs are sure to fail
If we neglect His way! —Bosch

No one can be a real success without God.

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What is success?

How do you want to be successful?

So many times, a few has been called to serve God in their own ministry, a few has been supported by parents. I think in this case, parents played an important role too.

If parents are being influenced by how the world runs, being dictated by successes they see in high ranking job holders, and stresses that's how their children should be. It's really sad. Coz this will never end. Their children will grow up, have their own children, and do the same thing to them.

Let's pray for wisdom, patience, guidance and above all love from God. Ask Him to show you what God wants your child to do. Or even pray together with Your children, then they will learn how to live a Christ centered life..

At the end of the day, when you face God as a parent, you can say, "I did the job You gave me well"