In Your Purity

We have made it to Paul's final instruction to Timothy in our motto 1 Timothy 4:12!

 Being an example in our purity. Yet another abstract concept we must figure out. 

    When I asked some people what came to mind when they thought about purity, the overwhelming answer was associated with the color white. 

The reason for this is because we usually associate the color white with cleanliness, innocence and perfection, like this flower. 

Photo by: yours truly

    I will therefore conclude that purity, in a word, is being clean. But was Paul telling Timothy to take a shower and brush his teeth? I don't really think so. 

    Per usual, with the Bible as a guide I have managed to find three key areas where we are instructed to be pure.

1. Pure in Words

by Nyeka Gibson in Canva

  Yes, this again. As a refresher, it is important our words represent the God that we serve. The conversations we indulge in as well as the speech which leaves our mouths should not contradict our convictions. According to James 3:10-11, it is not possible for us to be one way in God's presence and another towards his people. So cursing and the like....can't happen.

2. Pure in Actions

Proverbs 16:2 says,

"All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord."

Sincerity. Doing things without ulterior motives (Philippians 2:3-4). I believe it is crucial that we examine if what we are doing is coming from a genuine place or if we are trying to get someone to do something indirectly. That's deceit.

Sexual immorality is another big one under this section. As Christians we are to save ourselves until marriage. But more than that, according to 1Thessalonians 4:4, we are to honor our bodies. Why? Because our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1Corithians 6:19). 

    So what do we mean by honoring our bodies? Well, I believe it means to have control over it rather than allowing your feelings to dictate how you act. We aren't supposed to exploit our bodies to fit in or to give in to fleshly desires. Rather, we are to take care of them and keep them clean.

    Therefore our relationships will look a little different from others. Our decisions not to do certain things, while difficult at times, may bewilder a few people. 

    

Let's reflect: are we really staying away from these things? Or are we toeing the line? 

3. Pure in Thoughts 

What are YOU thinking about?
By Nyeka Gibson in Canva

Our thoughts are just as important as our words and actions. Despite others not being able to necessarily see what we are thinking, in Philippians 4:8 we are told to think good thoughts. I will not say that you can control what comes into your mind but I do believe that the things we allow into our space can contribute to our thoughts. Whether that is what we watch or what we listen to. 

We should help ourselves by being wise about the things we choose to consume. Likewise, avoiding meditating on certain impure thoughts. When you meditate on them you are giving attention to them and encouraging them.

 I know raging hormones and such...this is the scripture I want us to take away for the week we are about to be faced with.

Psalms 119 : 9

"How can a young person stay on the path of purity?

By living according to your word" 

Until next time,

 Nyeka.