What is purity?
Purity means to be free from guilt or evil, to be innocent. It can also mean stainless or whiteness. Spiritually, this means that regardless of our sins and the stains they create in our lives, “we can become as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18).
Psalm 51:1-10 says only God can make us pure. Apart from Him, we cannot claim purity (Proverbs 20:9). Matthew 5:27-30 tells us that purity begins in the heart, and John 17:17 says that purity only comes from God. Regardless of your past, you can become pure by the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood (Galatians 2:20).
How do we stay pure?
The answer is crystal clear: Study and obey God’s Word.
How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you — don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. (Psalm 119:9-16)
Not just for young people, you stay pure by:
- By living according to God’s Word. (v. 9)
- Seeking God with all your heart. (v. 10)
- Hiding God’s Word in your heart. (v. 11)
- Praising God. (v. 12)
- Following God’s laws. (v. 13)
- Rejoicing in following God’s statues. (v. 14)
- Meditating on God’s precepts. (v. 15)
- Considering God’s ways. (v. 15)
- Delighting in God’s decrees. (v. 16)
- Not neglecting God’s Word. (v. 16)
Staying pure is a decision to live how God wants you to live, and that decision is only possible when you fill yourself with God’s word. It happens, too, as you seek him in prayer daily and allow him to live and work in your life. Any of this can happen at any age, young or old.
Mary McCauley
You have an awesome son Kari! At any age it is easy to slip, and his last 3 points are important for all of us if we want to live a life that shows Christ to the world, to be in the world and not of it. Tell him he did a great job! You have every reason to be proud!
Kari Scare
Thanks Mary. I do think he's pretty terrific. He reads my posts, so I'm sure he'll see your comment. Thanks again.
Loren Pinilis
Reading Psalm 119 is pretty enlightening. For some reason, I think we often have a very restricted view of purity – that it's all about avoiding lust, R-rated movies, parties, and drinking. But really the scriptures take a much more inclusive view of purity – one of following God through his entire word.
Kari Scare
Scripture presents a much more proactive approach to purity. Instead of just eliminating the bad, we are to add in the good. We can prevent the impurity much of the time by being proactive.
Mark Allman
I think your son did a great job Kari. I think that the list is also what you do when you have done something you regret and is impure. It allows you to return to purity with God. We all have to learn to live with regret but we should not let our regrets hamper our future and by following your son's advice we can mode a better one.
Kari Scare
You're right. This portion of scripture can be used as a sort of checklist to realign and get us back on track after we mess up. Good point!
tnealtarver
Agree with Mark–your 13 year old made a wise observation.
Kari Scare
Thanks Tom!
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