When the scribes and Pharisees challenged Jesus about His disciples eating with unclean hands, this was part of His response. "There is nothing outside the man which, going into him, can defile him; But the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man" (Mk 7:15). Later, the disciples questioned Jesus about this. He added, "That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed the evil thoughts and fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, envy, slander, pride (arrogance) and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man" (Mk 7:20 -23). The primary word of interest here is the word translated, "defile." The verb is koinoo, and the noun is koinos. Before giving you the definition, let me give you a clue.
For a long time, many believed the Greek of the New Testament was a new language from God - heavenly, undefiled, and holy. But archaeological digs began unearthing shopping lists and land deeds written in the same Greek ? in the same time period! Bible scholars soon realized the Greek of the New Testament was actually the common language of the day. It is now called Koine Greek ? Common Greek - from koinoo (v) and koinos (n).
Many words in this Greek are morally neutral. Context determines if they are to be understood as positive or negative. For example, Jesus told His disciples, "I have earnestly desired (epithumeo) to eat this Passover with you before I suffer" (Lk 22:15 ). But elsewhere, "everyone who looks on a woman to lust (epithumeo) for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Mt 5:28 ). One context is positive, the other negative. Such is the case with, koinoo (v), koinos (n). In a more positive light it means, "universal, generic, widespread ? common." Thus, Koine Greek. But in a negative context it means, "inferior, profane ? defiled" ? as in the Mark 7: 15, 20-23.
From cover to cover, the Bible teaches that our natural, universal state ? our common state - is one of moral defilement. "What man is there among you, when his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give what is good to those who ask Him?" (Mt 7:9-11). To be defiled is the common state of man.
The world has its own definition of what makes one common or uncommon. Fame makes one uncommon. Power makes one uncommon. Wealth makes one uncommon. But a heart that exudes "evil thoughts and fornications (porneia ? sexual immorality of any sort), thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, envy, slander, pride (arrogance) and foolishness" ? resides in a Commoner. To some scoffing Pharisees, Jesus said, "You are those who make yourselves righteous in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God" (Lk 16:15 ). This is a great encouragement because one's station in life does not effect God's assessment in this matter. So, based upon behavior, at any given moment, God views each of us as either common ? or uncommon.
I wish I could say I have arrived at the position of uncommon. But I do not think this is a spot anyone permanently occupies in this age. Sin ? that abounding, common element ? constantly pounds inside ? and outside each of us. When I sin ? whether by action or reaction ? God looks at me and sees ? a common man. Anyone could do what I just did. Sometimes sin deceives me, and sometimes it blinds me. But many times, I just decide to participate with it. Too often, I make myself a Commoner.
This life is one of continual process, change ? and challenge. Ultimately, God alone determines our commonness, or uncommonness, event by event. Oftentimes, we do not know how we fared (or are faring) in a given situation. But, He has given us some tools (like the first passage in this Article) ? so as to substantively assess ourselves in most circumstances.
Yes, at any given moment, God views each of us as either common ? or uncommon. "There is nothing outside the man which, going into him, can make him common; But, the things which proceed out of the man are what common the man ?That which proceeds out of the man, that is what makes him common. For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed the evil thoughts and fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, envy, slander, pride (arrogance) and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and common the man" (Mk 7:15 , 20-23). I do not want to stay a Commoner. I want God to be able to assess me as more and more uncommon. I want to live in such a way that He might even say to the heavenly host, "Have you considered my son, Robin? Have you seen how uncommon he is?" This matter rests in our hands.
Copyright 2007
In order for the U.S. government to fund wars, pay farmers not to raise crops, build bridges to nowhere, and all the other excellent things it does, it issues debt. Currently, that debt is to the tune of $9.2 trillion - $5.2 trillion debt in debt held by the public, and $4 trillion in intragovernmental holdings (money spent from various funds like Social Security that, in theory, are supposed to be paid back some day). This debt is usually in the form of bonds which pay monthly interest and the return of principal upon maturity (although the debt can take other forms that are much less understandable). The rate paid on government bonds is generally considered a "risk-free" rate, based on the idea that you will always get repaid by the U.S. government.
One way the government deals with its debt burden is by increasing the amount of currency in circulation. This has the net result of decreasing the buying power of those dollars; i.e., inflation. Inflation helps the debtor by decreasing the value of debt. Were the opposite situation to occur (dollars increasing in value) then it would cost the government more to borrow. Much lip service is given on the part of the Federal Reserve about holding inflation down, but inflation is really the Fed's best friend.
While all that extra currency floating around is eating away at the value of a dollar, it is also eating away the buying power of American consumers. As a result, you have a dual punishment for the tax payers. On one hand, the tax payers are left with crushing levels of debt to be dealt with in the future. Relying on social security to get you through your twilight years? I wouldn't count on it. On the other hand, those same tax payers are finding that it takes more money just to survive, because of the very inflation that our government is causing.
Add in record breaking oil prices which translate into gas prices the likes of which Americans have never seen (not even in the 1970's, on an inflation-adjusted basis), on top of falling real estate values and mortgages that people can no longer afford, and you have a perfect recipe for a down economy.
How can we get out of this mess?
To start with, our government has to change its ways. We need to accept the fact that we cannot be the world's police force. Not if we have to foot the bill. It's time we prioritize. We need to focus on balancing our budget and maintaining a strong defense at home. We're stretched too thin, and leaving a very poor situation for future generations to deal with. I don't think it's too late, but we need to act now.
The other thing we can do is get control of ourselves. We have too much debt. We have been lured into buying houses too big and cars too fast. We need to learn how to budget, and how to use credit sensibly. It's time for all of us to accept our share of responsibility, and expect the same from our leaders.
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Rc Calamaio has sinced written about articles on various topics from Religion, Medicine and Religion. In 1977, Robin became a Christian. BA, Bus Admin (Milligan College '90) and M-Div (Emmanuel School of Religion '92). Are you interested in the Bible's. Rc Calamaio's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.
Jerry Work has sinced written about articles on various topics from Blogging, Home and Internet Marketing. is a full-service debt management company providing debt settlement services such as. Jerry Work's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.