Sisters in ChristChikamu

Purity

"These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God". Titus 2:3-4 NLT

What does it mean to be pure? Purity encompasses our spirit, mind, and body.

I am reminded of God calling the Israelites to be holy because He is holy. It is mentioned numerous times in the Old Testament (Leviticus 11:44, Leviticus 20:26, Leviticus 19:2) and again by the apostle Peter in the New Testament (1 Peter 1:16). To begin understanding the holiness of God, we need to understand the depravity of sin.

This is where the help of the Holy Spirit comes in. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life”. Psalm 139: 23-24. He will examine or assess you if you ask Him to. But we must be humble and know He will reveal areas in our lives that require repentance, cleansing, and obedience.

Although this may seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be—It means we come to the Lord with a vulnerable and humble heart. Consider asking yourself these questions:

• What am I watching, listening to, or doing? Is it pure? Does it foster my heart to grow in purity?
• What motives are at play in the choices I am making? Is it from a pure heart?

If there is a hint of evil, sin, or darkness, please do not grieve the Holy Spirit by willingly continuing.

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 (NKJV) says, “Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”

As my relationship with God grows in deeper intimacy, I keenly notice that I am more sensitive to content and activities that at one time I wasn’t. And so, dear sister, I encourage and challenge you to stay aware and away from what can defile you—Whether that be what you allow into your mind (TV, social media) or your body (certain foods in excess, alcohol).

Matthew 5:8 (NKJV) says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” This is my prayer, dear sister, for myself, you, and all the sisters in Christ. That we would grow in pureness of heart and one day stand before our God, see Him as the Holy One, and fall down in worship at His feet.