The Solution to Pollution

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

² I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. ³ Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵ Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹ What you have learned and  received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:1-9

A friend was studying for his PE exam and shared this essential truth: The solution for pollution is dilution. Pretty catchy. It was just one of the significant things he had to remember for the test. Came the day for the test and he took his Bible in with him, set it on his assigned desk with a thud, and took the test, praying for God’s help. He passed the test.

There is an even more profound and far-reaching solution to the pollution of bitterness and strife. After appealing to the two women to agree “in the Lord” (which is certainly essential for godly relationships), he urges the people of Philippi to “rejoice in the Lord.”

What if Drew Brees and LeBron James made a concerted effort to agree in the Lord, and to rejoice in the Lord? What if Donald Trump and Joe Biden decided to agree in the Lord and rejoice in the Lord? What if Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo and Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick agreed in the Lord and rejoiced in the Lord more than anything else? What if the goodness and grace of God in Jesus colored everything they did and everything they fought for? What if every political issue took the back seat to unity in Jesus and joy in the Lord?

OK, maybe that’s asking too much. But how about your pesky neighbor, your unreasonable boss, your unreliable employee? What about the person in the next pew or on the other side of the board meeting table? What of your husband, wife, children, parents, friends, and even your enemies?

Our world is polluted by hatred, envy, bitterness, strife, fear, and anger. We see it on the news. We feel it in our hearts. Add to that the stresses of these days of the pandemic lock-down. Add to that our behind-the-lines enemy, our own sinful flesh. It all adds up to a troubled and polluted world.

The solution of the pollution of discord, strife, anger, fear, frustration, apathy, resentment, and sin of every kind is in Jesus. Rejoicing in Jesus. Agreeing in Jesus. Being reasonable in Jesus. Being aware that Jesus is at hand. Praying in Jesus’ name. Trusting in Jesus. Seeking his good will, favor, blessing, wisdom, and courage. All in Jesus. All in Jesus. All in Jesus.