Living a Life of Purity in an Impure World

Purity is almost a laughable trait in today’s world, yet the Bible commands us as believers to live a life of purity and holiness as we strive to serve God. How does one remain pure when the world’s standards are so contrary to Scripture? It almost seems impossible, but there is hope when we allow God to transform our hearts and minds.

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5 Biblical Truths Regarding Purity:

Jesus was clear that purity begins in the heart.

“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:27-28 (NLT)

If a man “checks out” a woman on the street, most people wouldn’t call it cheating. In fact, many would even go as far to say that it was normal and expected behavior. But Jesus taught that adultery is committed every time someone lusts after another person. This concept was just as radical in Jesus’ day as it is today. God’s call to purity requires us to strive for a pure heart.

God calls us to flee from temptation.

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. – 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NLT)

Whatever is causing you to stumble in your life needs to go. It’s common sense. If you have an alcohol addiction, you probably shouldn’t spend all your time hanging out in bars. Temptation is a part of life, and sometimes it can’t be avoided. But God always gives us a way out. With God’s help, we can flee from temptation and remain pure in Him.

Your eyes matter.

“And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.” – Matthew 18:9 (NLT)

What you look at matters. Lust is a sin. Jesus called it the same thing as adultery remember? Our culture tells us that pornography is normal and natural…even healthy. God says otherwise. It’s not as harmless as the world would like to make us believe. It ruins lives and marriages. And it’s not just pornography. The entertainment world in general has become all about sex. Like the children’s song says, “Oh be careful little eyes what you see…”

Surrender your “dark corners” to God.

“If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.” – Luke 11:36 (NLT)

Everyone has areas we hold on to – dark corners of our life that we try to keep hidden. A pure heart, however, is one that has been given completely to God.

Keep your thoughts pure.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. – Philippians 4:8 (NLT)

Stay in the Word. Pray without ceasing. Set your mind on things that are holy and pure. There is a reason why God asks us to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. The world is constantly bombarding us with temptation. It’s much easier to give in when we aren’t focused on the things of God.

There is hope when it comes to purity!

We serve a loving and faithful God – full of mercy and grace. Not only does He forgive our sin, He also promises to help us remain pure in Him. Place your trust in Him, and He will be faithful to transform your heart and mind as you strive to be more like Christ.