Do Not Touch!

How strange it seems that things which are placed off limits are what many still reach toward. That which is taboo is desired. That of which a child is told "No!", their little hands are just itching to touch. It's sort of like those who see a "Caution! Wet Paint!" sign and can't resist touching it to see if the sign is true. When something is not to be touched, do we have to know why? Do we rationalize there will be no harm in it?

Sometime ago I came across the following clipping in a church bulletin:

Despite the "Do Not Touch" signs, a museum was having no success in keeping patrons from touching -- and soiling -- priceless furniture and art. But the problem was resolved overnight when a clever museum employee replaced the signs with ones that read: "Caution: Wash Hands After Touching!"

In Paul's second letter to the church at Corinth, he cautioned them with regard to their ties to the world. They were (as we also are) the temple of the living God. ( 2 Corinthians 6:16) There was no way that they could combine their worship of God with the practices of idolatry or living in the ways of the world. They belonged to God. Paul then quoted some Scripture, part of which came from Isaiah 52:11.

We read. . .
"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. TOUCH NO UNCLEAN THING, and I will receive you. (18) I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." ( 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 ESV)

As the temple of the Living God, we ought to live PURE LIVES. We need to be mindful of what we choose to be involved in and the kind of people with whom we most closely associate. Though we are to live in this world as light and salt to influence others toward God, we are not to live like the world. May we recognize the blessing and ultimate good God has in mind for us wherever He has placed a "Do Not Touch!" sign. Remember, we have been washed.

Have a great day LIVING A HOLY LIFE WHOLLY FOR GOD!
Carl

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