Purifying Ourselves

    God is pure and we should be doing all that is necessary to purify ourselves (1 John 3:1-3) and keeping ourselves pure. Jesus died to purify us (Titus 2:13-14), we must give ourselves to the daily effort of maintaining our purity (consider Romans 12:1-2) We need to be always watchful of the influences we allow into our lives (Psalm 1, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Ephesians 5:15-17, 2 Timothy 2:22) because only those who are pure in heart will be blessed with seeing God (Matthew 5:8).

    How do we purify ourselves and maintain our purity?

• By meditating on pure things (Philippians 4:8). God’s Word is pure (Psalm 12:6; 19:8, Proverbs 30:5). Determine to sit and read the bible throughout the day and/or memorize bible verses to think on as you go about your day.
• By drawing near to God, which will help us not be double-minded (anxious, doubting, fearful, etc. Consider Philippians 4:6-8 and James 1:2-8).
• By keeping our thoughts and words pure (Proverbs 15:26, Titus 1:15-16). Pure words are pleasant and do much good.
• By keeping busy with good works (James 1:27, Proverbs 20:9, Titus 3:8); helping us stay unspotted from the world.

    We must strive for a pure heart and mind so that we can wholly obey God’s command to love our brethren fervently (1 Peter 1:22). Pure heart --> pure motives --> sincere care --> fervent love. In doing so we can reach our full potential and help our brethren do the same!

    When we purify our hearts and minds, we are showing God that we value what He has granted us: the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38, 1 John 1:9), the opportunity to be called His children, the hope of seeing Him as He is in eternity (1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:8), plus SO much more (Psalm 40:5, 68:19, 139:17-18)! Our daily determination to be pure lets God know that we honour His purity and perfection (Psalm 119:101-102)! We are saying that what He has done is greatly appreciated, what He has instructed is founded in love and true wisdom, and what He provides for our success is simply immeasurable!    

    In a world that is constantly promoting and celebrating impurity, how much more so should we, as God’s own children, be promoting and celebrating His purity and His instruction in purity through praise and humble obedience (1 Peter 2:9, James 1:25)? How else will the world know of the path different than the one they are stumbling along? How else will our lamp shine to light the way that leads to true freedom, peace, and joy?

    It is worth every effort to purify your heart and mind! God is worthy of your continued diligence in this pursuit!! He has provided all we need, let’s do our part and promote purity by living pure and faithful lives before Him!!

You can do it! So can I!!