Pure
In nature, it is hard to find an element that is 100 percent free of flaws
or contamination. Even gold has to be refined, separating the valued substance
from its contaminates and impurities, giving it a higher quality, rarity
and delicacy. Apply this concept to God's desire for us to lead pure lives
by cultivating pure minds and bodies and by abstaining from thoughts of
rebellion, lust and other wrongs. Purity shows the state of our hearts.
Allowing impurities to continue in our lives makes us as useless to God
as unrefined gold is to a jeweler. When we put our lifestyles, old habits
and other desires ahead of serving God, we demonstrate our lack
of commitment to him.
There
is a process of purity that leads to cleansed hearts and minds. It starts
with faith in Jesus Christ, which then leads to confessing our sins and
drawing near to God. With confession comes a spiritual transformation
of our character, which demonstrates our commitment. With the power of
Jesus' blood our sin-stained hearts can become white as snow. Through
this purifying process, we become more valuable to God's work.
The
pure in heart will see God.
Matthew 5:8
We can train our minds to retain pure thoughts that lead to pure
actions.
2 Corinthians 7:1
Philippians 4:8
1 Timothy 1:3-5; 5:22
1 John 3:2-3
There is purity in Jesus Christ, our high priest, mediator and
redeemer.
Titus 2:13-14
Hebrews 7:25-26
1 John 1:9
When you love, do so with a pure heart.
Proverbs 22:11 |