Let’s talk about Purity [Part Two]

P: s this is a continuation so if you haven’t read part one, be sure you read it here. http://sureboy.blogspot.com/2014/10/lets-talk-about-purity-part-one.html

Some of you have mentioned [and rightly too] that purity is more than refraining from sexual activity.

I did say in part one that my conversation with with a certain married man who asked if my relationship was sexual was what led me in writing these purity series and since sex was the topic discussed, I’m sharing my thought on sexual purity and not purity as a whole.

That said I will like to make clear that purity is much more than avoiding sexual immorality. Some people, when they hear about purity only think in the sense of avoiding sexual immorality but purity involves much more than what we do in one area of our life; it has to do with what we choose in every area of our lives.

Purity is simply not a good thing, it is a God thing, it is what God wants, it is God's plan and that makes it the best plan possible.

So why must we choose Purity? Is purity even possible? If yes, how can one pursue purity?

Well the answer to the above question is not far-fetched but before I go any further, I will like to say I don’t know/have a 10 step plan to purity. All I intend to do is share with you the wisdom God put in my heart that works for me [and since it works for me, I have no doubt it will work for you].

We need to understand that God has called us to a holy living. And for us to grow closer to God, it’s crucial to pursue purity because purity leads to holiness. “But as he who has called you is holy, so you be holy in all manner of conduct; because it is written: "Be holy; for I am holy." - 1 Pet 1:15-16

Furthermore, as Christ followers, one of the things we are called to do is be examples. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1Tim 4:12

How can we pursue purity?

First things first… Develop a relationship with God.

It’s hard to please the heart of God if you do not KNOW Him so do you know the Lord? If NO may I encourage you to get to KNOW Him…when you get to know the Lord you will realize that true joy and satisfaction comes from God not from [sex or] anything else.

Decide to honor the Lord not your flesh.

True purity is choosing to love God more than you love anything or anyone else, and expressing that love by wholeheartedly devoting your life to God. It’s important to pursue purity because it is a requirement to see God. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Mat 5:8

Understand that true Purity begins from the HEART

Scripture clearly teaches us that the real issues of life are spiritual and are really matters of the heart. An impure heart will lead to an impure life and vice versa. When impurity resides in the heart, it will be exposed in all that the person does [speech, actions, character etc.].  Ponder on the scriptures below…

For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. –Mathew 15:19 [ESV]

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. – Luke 4:45 [KJV]

The truth of the matter is, nothing good can come out from an un-regenerated heart. It is only when our minds [hearts] are renewed by the word of God that true purity will become possible.

Rely on God not your effort.

Many have ended up failing in their pursuit of purity despite their best efforts because achieving true purity is not easy however it is possible. We have to stop relying on our effort and rely on Jesus every day to empower us to live in purity – a life he has called us to. “[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.” - Philippians 2:13 [AMP]

Watch your thoughts… Guard your eyes, ear and heart.

The quickest way to our heart is our eyes and ears… it is important that we guide both. And also we have to guide our thoughts. [As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he". The sums of a person’s thoughts are seen in their
character and character influences everything he does.

If you don’t know what to think on, Philippians 4:8 offers a great advice.  “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

To live a live a life of purity, we have to think pure thoughts. Our lives really go where our thoughts go.  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the
knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:5

There is really so much to say but I will conclude this part here. If you read this and it convicted you in anyway, please do not beat yourself down. You may in time past have gone the wrong path, but understand that despite your disposition, you can begin to do what’s right from today. You may not have started well but you sure can finish well.

I have chosen the path of purity and I urge you to join me. Purity honors the LORD and since all of our lives if for the glory and honor of the LORD, we must all pursue purity.

Someone my read this and say, this is not for me. I am not struggling in the area of purity. Well if you are not struggling in this area, praise God but understand that many are so there is still work to be done.

Love your friends and family by telling them the truth. Reach out to them and encourage them to abstain from impurity [particularly sexual immorality]. Encourage them to honor God instead of giving in to the lustful desires of the flesh.

Text them regularly to check on them, call them often and encourage them to good works.

Impurity creates many complications… It ruins the best of men and women and brings forth major issues – even death.

Let's choose purity, let's choose to honor the LORD.

Until next time, stay focused.

Just Sharing My Thought

Listen. Laugh. Smile. Relate. Share.

Grace to you and Peace. ♡

Let’s talk about Purity [Part One]

Purity is one topic that has been one on my mind for so long. I’m glad I finally get to talk about it in this note.

A few days back, I had a chat with a certain man who has been married for over six years and he asked about my relationship so I told him, Michelle and I are growing very well, God has been doing an incredible work in our lives and we trust Him for a beautiful future together.

He said “that’s ok…” and a whole lot of different things then he asked, “Have you had sex with her yet?”

I said NO. We are not married yet and we are committed to honoring the Lord with our body.

He said “well that’s the only way you two will bond. You know women cannot be trusted that much I’m talking from experience.”

I responded your experience will not be my reality. If having sex [with someone who’s not my spouse yet] is the only way for us to bond then I don’t want to bond. I’d rather lose a relationship than build one on sin. If I cannot lead her in purity, what area can I lead her?

Well our conversation ended as there was nothing else to talk about. I refused to be dragged into a godless conversation. As a matter of fact, I think I sat with him for too long.  “Evil communication corrupt good manners” scripture says.

Walking out on him seemed rude but you see we do not have to apologize or explain ourselves when we are seeking to make righteous decisions. We do not have to explain why we have to separate ourselves from certain situations, circumstances, or people that cause [or may cause] us to stumble and fall. Scripture repeatedly tells us not to walk in the counsel of the ungodly nor heed to their advice.

How can we truly stand out if we are constantly trying to fit in with the crowd? We must make sure every conversation we engage in and every situation we find ourselves is edifying, encouraging, God-led and God-honoring.

Singles, engaged couples, newly married people, we must all be very cautious about those we take relationship [and marriage] counsel from. We must take care not to take counsel from those who do not take counsel from God.

Michelle and I have decided we will only seek and adhere to godly counsel therefore regardless of the individual giving us advice, if our "advisors" words don't match the words of God, their word will not be heeded. We cannot expect to drink from unclean waters and not get sick. Any advice that doesn't come from the throne of God is soaked in sin and filthy in nature.

Early on in my relationship with Michelle, we discussed extensively and decided on the issue of purity. We concluded that purity for us is a must. Sex for us will only happen in marriage not before. We know better than to build our relationship on the sinking foundation of sin when God has called us to a holy living. We know God will not bless sin.

We’ve decided we will honor God not our flesh. We’ve decided to honor God with our life and body. Scripture tells us our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. The temple of the Holy Spirit [our body] must be holy. We refuse to provoke the Holy Spirit to anger.

I know many people [singles and even those in relationships] struggle in this area of purity even though many would not readily admit it. If you are one of such, I want you to know that purity is possible. You can do all things through Christ and that includes being pure.

You and your mate should repent before the Lord, seek to honor Him, grow in discipline, get accountability and keep away from every situation that could cause you to fall. A convicted and repentant heart cannot continue in sin. The convicted and repentant are so sensitive to the Holy Spirit that they dare not grieve Him.

Sexual intimacy is reserved for a married man and woman and that is not going to change today, tomorrow or any other day regardless of what anyone thinks or what the culture says.

There’s a whole lot more to be said but that will be in a different note. As I conclude part one, I propose a purity challenge to all. I believe you all saw the Ice bucket challenge that went viral online. Let’s go viral with this #PurityChallenge. Let’s encourage each other to good works.

Gentlemen this challenge is particularly for us. We must lead the cause of purity. If we cannot lead the women in our lives in love and purity, what area will we be able to lead them?

Understand that until you marry her she is not your wife.  She is your sister so treat her with absolute purity. “Treat older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity” 1 Timothy 5:2

And to the Ladies, like Apostle Paul would say, I beseech you by the mercies of God that you make sure your legs are closed. Don’t give to a man the benefit of marriage when he hasn’t married you. True love waits. I say that again. True love waits. If you give to him the benefit of marriage when he hasn’t married you, what will be the incentive for marrying you? Choose the path of purity.

In this day and age of sexual perversion, Michelle and I have chosen the path of purity and we urge you to join us in our decision to honor the Lord with our life and body.

True love leads closer to God and not to sin. Purity is a MUST.

Until next time, stay focused.

Just Sharing My Thought

Listen. Laugh. Smile. Relate. Share.

Grace to you and Peace. ♡