Flourishing Even More in 2024… in Purity – What is Pure?

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:1-3 NKJV)

    We need to be purifying ourselves because God is pure. This action is ongoing; it is a continual effort put into learning and doing what is necessary to be pure and to maintain purity. Jesus granted us access to purity by His sacrifice (Titus 2:14) and we become pure when we are baptized; having our sins washed away (Acts 22:16, Romans 6:4, 1 Peter 1:22-23), but now what?

    First, let’s learn what is pure:

• God (1 John 3:3)
• God’s words (Psalm 12:6), every word (Proverbs 30:5-6), they are very pure (Psalm 119:40)
• God’s commandment (Psalm 19:8)
• The waters of baptism (Hebrews 10:22)
• Wisdom from above (James 3:17)

    As we continue (or begin) our practice of purifying ourselves, we need to learn of God's purity so that we comprehend that He is in every way worthy of our whole faith and trust. We need to learn to keep our eyes on God (Colossians 3:1-2) and imitate Him (Ephesians 5:1) because He is pure. We need to read His words and obey His commands (James 1:21-25) because they are pure. If we have not already, we need to recognize our need and wash in the pure waters of baptism. And we need to ask God for wisdom because He will liberally give us the purest form (James 3:13-17)!

    As the Lord wills, spend time each day this week with God in prayer and in reading His word - think on the hope you have to one day see Him as He is. Determine to put His commands into practice and ask Him, in faith, for wisdom – He won’t be upset if you ask for it daily! Doing these things will develop a desire in your heart and mind to be pure just as He is pure! Are you ready?

You can do it! So can I!!