100% Pure

 

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  And that is what we are!  The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.  Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known.  But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.  Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure." I John 3:1-2

 

Purity.  This is a word that is almost obsolete when it comes to values.  It is used frequently  with regards to cleansers, detergents and food items.  These are things that our culture values purity in.  But having a person live a pure life is something that is barely tolerated.  Being a virgin is no longer a source of  pride, but rather a point for ridicule.  This shows how far we have slipped from the ideals of the Bible.

Brides used to don beautiful white gowns as a symbol of purity on their wedding day.  But fashionistas have reclassified it and made it about wearing white to symbolize joy.  Purity is a Biblical concept, and as such, is a timeless classic!  Purity means to be without mixture.  Something pure is 100% what is claims to be.  There are no  "additives" to water down the genuine article.  If we are to be pure, then we must rid ourselves of anything that waters down our passion for Jesus or our witness to others.  We cannot allow worldly influences to taint the purity and reverence of our hearts and minds.

When we ask Jesus to cleanse us of our sins, he washes it away, leaving us pure, righteous, holy and blameless in his sight.  Jesus values purity and we must put a premium on it as well.  Purity is so much more than urging unmarried people to abstain from sexual involvements.  Purity is needed in the marriage bed, it is needed in our wardrobe, in our movie and reading choices, and it is needed in our motives for all that we do. 

Being pure is about holiness, being set apart and devoted to God.  No matter what ugliness your life has held in the past, God can cleanse you and leave you as pure as the driven snow!  Embrace purity. Our Example is dedicated to being pure and we must be as well.

Dear Lord, forgive and cleanse me of anything that dilutes your Spirit inside of me.  Help me to live with undivided emotions and heart.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

Sherri