"For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness."
- 1 Thessalonians 4:7
Purity has been perverted and given a bad rap, but we were designed for it. Although we can not be pure in our own power, or through our own wills; the Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to approach the Lord in holiness and truth. Purity isn't simply about sexuality (although that's a major part of it), it's about living a life that pleases God.
What purity is not...
Contrary to popular belief, purity is not Impossible! I'm here to tell you that is possible to be pure in the 21st century! Purity also isn't outdated, because God’s word never changes. So His laws and commandments are just as much in effect today, as they were way back when. Trends and behaviors in the culture around us will always “evolve”, but God’s word is the one truth that we can build our lives on. Purity also isn't about God trying to punish or mess with us. His ways are simply just higher than ours. It may seem inconvenient to aim for purity because it seems counter-intuitive, but we were never meant to appease our flesh. Lastly, purity is not easy, It’s difficult but yet again it’s not impossible.
Purity is misrepresented...
Truth be told, what we see in the media isn't a direct reflection of God’s word. However, it is a direct representation of the culture that we live in. One that finds purity to be unattainable, unattractive, and straight-up lame. I've personally never seen purity represented well in mainstream tv, music, magazines. But I have seen it well represented in many Christian blogs, books, and youtube videos. Which is great! Because as Christians we are called to be lights in this world, we are the salt of the earth. So let's live in purity and make it loud and proud for all to see.
Purity is misunderstood...
Many people don't understand purity, its purpose, God’s intentions for it, or its many benefits. Instead, it's been seen as a bother, as if God doesn't care for us or like us to have fun. But purity is for our protection, it makes us more like Christ, and it’s a part of our destinies to live pure lives. God doesn't call us to be pure for fun and games but to glorify Him and live unashamed. God died and bought us with His blood so that we could live abundant lives instead of being slaves to sin. Being pure wouldn't be a possibility without the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Listen to me friend, purity is freedom! We should embrace it and glean from what the word says about it, not the world.
So how do we handle temptation?
On the journey of purity, you and I will face temptations; but we’ve been given the power to overcome them all. The enemy would love for us to fall victim to the temptations that try to flaunt and taunt us. But God has given us the authority to look in the face of temptation and be victorious! A simple bow to temptation could lead to impurity. But we were called and created to be pure and God will help us every step of the way. Even if you mess up or miss the mark, God’s mercies are new every morning! So sin no more, and move forward on a new path. In Christ, you are a new creation so you can live a new and clean life!
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Practical ways to stay pure?
Guard your eyes, ears, and consume holy content. This is very difficult because (just about) every song, movie, podcast, show, and book seems to point to an ungodly agenda that strays from God’s intentions. But continue to focus on purity, because we must keep our environment pure. In my walk with God, I've had to cut off music and tv that have caused me to have impure thoughts. It's not easy, but whatever it takes to be pure right?
Control your thoughts like your life depends on it, because if you're not careful your thoughts will run you to the ground and push you away from God. So focus on things that are pure and lovely as the word says. Feed your thoughts with truth and holiness, and when you have ungodly thoughts, bind, rebuke, and cast them out. And begin to say declarations and affirmations over your mind. That may sound new age but I can assure you that it's biblical to speak life over yourself, especially your mind.
Keep your goals clear and right in front of you, get excited about your purity journey! Although I grew up in church, I don't remember making a conscious decision about being pure until I was 14. Over time this decision has become less of a religious choice and more of a lifestyle. I'm genuinely enthusiastic about living purely and embracing God’s design for my life.
Invite the Holy Spirit in and allow Him to lead you on your journey. To convict you, open your eyes, and give you wisdom about how to be pure. Remember that this is a spiritual battle, we do not war against flesh and blood but against dark forces! So we need a spirit that is higher than any other spirit for us to win in purity. So rely on the Holy Spirit, it's the only way you'll ever live a pure life.
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Will you choose to be pure?
Temptations will be knocking at your door and discouragement will try to meet you at every corner. But it is the will of God for you to be pure! God intends for you to live richly in the commandments that He has called you to. So never doubt His ways, because God designed His laws with you in mind. So that you would be free from harm and intimidation of the enemy, and stand in everlasting truth forevermore. So choose purity, it's what's best for you!
A Prayer for purity
Lord, please help me to live a pure and righteous life. One that pleases you and makes you proud. I declare defeat over every temptation that the enemy sends my way, and I declare victory over my purity journey, Amen,
A Prayer for salvation
If you have yet to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then this is your invitation : )
Lord, I accept you into my life, I don't want to live apart from you anymore. I desire to walk in your ways for eternity and leave my old life behind for good. Help me to live a clean and holy life, Amen.
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