We are hearing much talk these days about the pollution of our environment. We have a new group of experts to help educate us about these problems and many young people have dedicated themselves to this cause. Such concern is good.

While we are worried about environmental corruption, have you thought much about spiritual pollution? Is it reasonable to get greatly exercised about water or air pollution and garbage disposal while remaining unconcerned about soul pollution? We shall live in our present environment for a few years at best. Our souls shall live forever. Jesus asked "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mt. 16:26). Peter wrote "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul" (I Pet. 2: 11). The rise in crime, sensuality, divorce, dope addiction, alcoholism, together with a declining interest in the gospel, the church and the Savior, are sad reminders of soul pollution.

The solution to soul pollution begins with the individual. Timothy was told to "keep thyself pure" (I Tim. 5:22). Is your soul polluted? Are you trying to nurture it upon the empty husks of worldly pleasure and pursuit of material gain? If so, you need a dean drink from the fountain of life. You need to turn to the word of God. "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you" (Jno. 15:3).

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XV: 13, p. 13
February 4, 1971