2 Corinthians 7:1       New English Translation

Self-Purification

7 Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that could defile the body and the spirit, and thus accomplish holiness out of reverence for God.                                                     

 

Percentage: Maybe from a fraction up to 100 %

 

Do evil spirits constantly influence men's “unholy” spirits?

Possession here of up to a degree will keep you from being free

A man named legion had six thousand; I wonder if one person.

Had just one, as what percentage of influence that could be?

 

 Thoughts of a hypocrite, when accused, about the observance 

 

Oh! Brother, come up here; I need to know who you are

I hate to analyze and turn myself unrestricted inside out.

You say I don’t have the right to see your spiritual base.

How can I trust you not knowing what you’re all about?

 

You say I’m judgmental and lack an understanding of love.

That I criticize too quickly, and I’m flowing over with pride.

I assess evil in others and act like I've directions from above?

And that makes me self-righteous, and it takes me for a ride.

 

You say I call you brother, but I’m jealous of you.

And I refuse entreaty and thrive on perpetual loquacity.

That I quickly grow anger and of patience, have no clue.

I mostly am unhappy and somber and don’t like what I do.

 

You say I have an unholy spirit, even though I pray every day.

Inordinate thought toward God and man, I’m close to Satan’s prey.

And when I judge around me, I don’t take time to look at myself

For I seem to be made this way; I was bought right off the shelf

 

Looking in the mirror, I don’t see a need at all.

That is good for people who did change after the “fall.”

I go to church on Sunday, and you are not impressed?

I don’t feel like changing, for I think I am the best.

 

I can tell you, brother. You don't know me at all.

All you see are flaws in me, and that’s not all.

You don’t understand that I’m just flesh and blood.

And grace is sufficient for me as changing I cannot.

 

Do I want to change, you ask? That’s not up to me.

As long as I can reason, I constantly feel entirely free.

Am I still enslaved to Satan? That’s a silly thing to say

I work on my righteousness and do that every day.

 

I don’t cuss or swear, sometimes a bad word or two.

But nothing severe, for I control my mouth for you.

I meditate regularly and always try to do some good.

You say: “I’m spiritually sick and spread it like the flu?“

 

I’m not going to talk to you anymore; God will do the rest.

If you are not changing, the Lord won’t give you rest.

You don’t want to be like me also I appear very kind.

Just go ahead and stumble on; you’ve chosen to be blind.

 

Jan Wienen