Can purity be reality?
Purity is not just another word for virginity. Purity is greater than abstaining from premarital sex. Purity is a state of mind and a condition of the heart.
Purity is not asking “How far can I go sexually?” Purity shifts our thought process and changes the question to “Am I getting closer to Jesus?”
Purity is to be blameless and cleansed; found innocent in God’s sight. Purity of heart, mind, body, and soul is what God wants for us. In pursuing purity, we experience freedom and protection — freedom from immorality and protection from the pain that always accompanies sin.
Why Does Purity Matter?
Purity matters because we cannot pursue immorality and Jesus at the same time. Galatians 5:17 says, “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”
Most of us think of purity as not having sex before marriage, but choosing purity affects every part of our lives.
We must choose whether to follow Jesus or the desires of our flesh. Most of us think of purity as not having sex before marriage, but choosing purity affects every part of our lives — what we do and don’t do, what we watch and don’t watch, what we listen to and don’t listen to. Purity is a series of big and small decisions to choose what Jesus wants for us over what we want for ourselves.
Pursuing purity is learning to say “no” to making out if it leads to impure thoughts. Pursuing purity is not just avoiding porn. It could also be avoiding popular TV shows that arouse us sexually. Pursuing purity is considering the lyrics we listen to and choosing wisely how we engage others of the opposite sex.
The goal of a Christian is to imitate the example set by Jesus. Jesus loves each of us purely. He cares how we are treated and how we treat others. Purity matters because our actions and motives matter to God.
Can I Begin Again?
It is never too late to pursue purity. If you have a past of sexual immorality, confess your sins, repent, and allow Jesus to provide healing. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
God hates our sin, but He loves His children. God knew everything we would do before He created us, and He still brought us into this world. He even pre-arranged a payment for our sins by sending Jesus to die in our place on the cross. Jesus’ ransom for our lives doesn’t give us permission to continue in sin. Rather, His sacrifice for us allows us to live freely in righteousness for Him (1 Peter 2:24).
Six Practical Ways to Practice Purity
1. Memorize Scriptures you can go to when you’re tempted to sin. Psalm 119:9 says “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”
2. Remember that everyone is uniquely designed by God in His image, and treat the opposite sex accordingly (Psalm 139, Jeremiah 1, 1 Timothy 5:1-2 ).
3. When dating, set clear boundaries and communicate them.
4. Consider if any books, movies, television shows, or music compromise your pursuit of purity. If so, eliminate the temptation.
5. Seek out accountability, and be willing to have candid and hard conversations (James 5:16).
6. Realize that pursuing purity is a daily fight. Put on your armor and battle! (Ephesians 6:10-18)