How to Cleanse Our Lives of Cultural Toxins
Toxins are various poisonous compounds produced by germs, which are microorganisms that live everywhere. They are so small they can creep into your system unnoticed, but can and do negatively affect every part of the body. Common toxins can be absorbed through the skin, ingested when you eat or drink, or inhaled when you breathe. (https://brainmd.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-harmful-toxins/ ). A healthy immune system will fight germs and toxins in the body.
Like toxins that affect our physical bodies, cultural toxins are poisonous thoughts and activities observed by mainstream culture but contrary to the Word of GOD. Cultural toxins, like germs, “creep into” our lives. They can be so small that we miss their entrance but are perplexed by their consequences. They can enter our lives through books, movies, music, and relationships.
“GOD has freely given us all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17b). However, the condition of an individual’s soul and spirit determines what is enjoyable. Individuals who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord will use GOD’s Word and Holy Spirit to determine what is enjoyable.
What should we do if we find something contrary to the will of God enjoyable? How can we cleanse our lives of cultural toxins? Why should we? Let’s take a counter cultural journey…
- First, identify your cultural toxin. If you need help, ask. People who know you may have a more clear view of your weaknesses. God is the best Person to ask since He created you. “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts (Psalm 139: 23).
- Confess that there are cultural toxins in your life. Be honest. If you find yourself attracted to anything that will harm your body, soul, or spirit, tell GOD and seek an accountability partner. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
- Repent of the toxic behaviors that have infected your spiritual well-being. Repentance is changing your behavior. In order to change your behavior, you must change your thoughts. Your thoughts are changed through reading and studying the Word of GOD on a daily basis. Paul writes, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
- Accept the fact that GOD already made provision for your cleansing and spiritual maintenance. James writes, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8). GOD knows everything about you and wants the best for you. Making time to “draw near” to GOD in worship and prayer on a daily basis will help you to receive guidance from the Holy Spirit.
- Believe that GOD loves you and has made you righteous in Christ Jesus. “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are” (Romans 3:22). Your faith in GOD and His love for you will make you whole.
What’s so counter cultural about this?
Even as the immune system is designed to defend the body against germs, our spirit working in tandem with GOD is designed to be our defense against cultural toxins.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Posted: August 17, 2020 / Updated: January 25, 2023
