The Psalmist David asked a great question that you can apply to your family when he said, “How can a young man keep his way pure?”
How can we stay on the path of purity with all of the wickedness that surrounds us in this world? “By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.” (See Psalm 119:9-10.)
This passage clearly outlines for us the path to purity. Choose to live according to God’s Word. Seek God with all of your heart. Don’t stray from God’s commands. That pretty well sums things up. A powerful message in two short verses.
You cannot build a life of righteousness on a foundation of sin. If you want a harvest of righteousness later, you need to plant seeds of righteousness today. Purity is a possibility for all of us, even in this sinful secular world.
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” This is where purity has to start for every single one of us. Get your own heart right before God.
Purity begins by praying with David, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” God give me wisdom. Help me to get my heart right, and then with your help, help me keep it right.” (See Psalm 139:23-24.) That is the first step on the path to purity.
Right actions come from a heart that is right. Decide today you will pursue perfect purity of the heart. As God reveals things in your life displeasing to him, those things have to go. It is a process we commit to as God continues to refine in us the image of His Son. It is a process that will last throughout our life.
There is a standard of righteousness we cannot achieve on our own. Purity requires living with intentionality. It takes the power and goodness of our God at work in us through the power of His Holy Spirit. Again, David prayed, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
That is my prayer. How about you? Purity will not happen without intentionality. Holiness is an on purpose proposition.
Steve Greene is the lead pastor at The Point in Seymour. You can email him at [email protected].