NOISE POLLUTION

We live in a day and age when the rage is who can be the noisiest. Theology is an inescapable concept. Why do we have so much noise in our day? The simple answer is they do not have peace in their heart’s. The Bible always gives an accurate picture of everything that it defines. It defines two types of people in the world. Those who have peace and those who do not. Those who do not have peace have decided that everyone will hear their cacophony.

There are two ways to exist, one is in harmony and the other is in disharmony. Those who live in disharmony with God’s world are characterized by discord. They are always off key. There music has no rhyme to it. It grates on the nerves of those who are in peace. It is out of step with all that is true and correct. People can never get away from who they really are. In other words, they are who they are, no matter wherever they go. They are incapable of transforming themselves into what they want to be.

Peace and noise are diametrically opposed to each other. So are saints and sinners. Proverbs 13:15, "Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard." Noise makers have set themselves in opposition of peace and quiet. They stand out to all of us. They cannot hide themselves. This does not give them favor in their neighbor’s eyes. In fact, they accomplish nothing more than infuriating their neighbors. They are not held in high regard.

Saints of God are just the opposite of these noise makers. The Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Here is the opposite of noise and hardness. Here we find peace and easiness. The saint’s way is just the opposite of the sinner’s way every time. Rest for our souls is the antithesis of the hard way of the transgressor. It is a matter of calling and choice.

Why must sinners makes such incessant noise? Isaiah give us the answer in Isaiah 59:20-21, "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. 21There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." These verses are so plain in explaining why are sinner neighbors make so much constant noise. It is the condition of their heart.. Each of us reflect the condition of our heart and each and every turn. We cannot go beyond who we truly are. These situations are established by definition.

Paul wanted us to understand the law of God in Philippians 2:1-4, "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." Paul was telling us that the law of God has consideration for others. If we do not take account the needs and feelings of other people, then we have to be ultimately guided by narcissism. The verses stated here are simply a restatement of Leviticus 19:18, "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord." We are either in accord with these verses or in disaccord. There is no neutrality.

If we think that something will offend our neighbor, then we must not do it. So many think that it is acceptable to set off fireworks anytime that they want to. July 4th then becomes a time of hating your neighbor rather than loving them. This is in accord with the day with in which we live. Because of the rejection of God’s law, all that we are left with is man’s law and his law is always in discord with God’s. Only those who are in accord with God will reflect peace and love toward their neighbor.

In other words, they will not shoot off fireworks, nor will they play loud music that everyone within a mile radius can hear. They will be cognizant of others around them. They realize that they are not the only ones in the universe. They would take into account the feelings of others. They are other oriented rather than selfish. By definition, they would rather see their brother prosper than themselves. They would rather be at peace than war with anyone.

Paul wrote in Romans 12:16-21, "Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." In other words, do not make noise but be quiet. Do not let your neighbor even know that you exist. Be as quiet as a church mouse.

Noise is for sinners. They are so lacking theologically that they have to make noise to make someone notice them. They have nothing of value. Inadequacy is their theme song. They sing it in many ways. In heavy metal, country, or rap, the verses are all the same. Noise is used to get attention. Noise means a lack of adequacy and peace within the heart. For the Christian, he is guided by Romans 5:1, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:" Peace is obtainable in only way. Everything is noise pollution. Which side are you on?