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Why Purity?
This is something I wrote in my blog at Lampstand Christian Forum Community, here are some highlights:
Why Purity?!
This is the question I have been trying to find an answer to for the longest time, and have yet to grasp as far as the Biblical model as presented by Paul in 1 Corinthians.
In Hebrews, the writer warns, "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." (Vs. 4) But what happens to those, who may NEVER have a marriage bed? Paul urges purity in 1 Corinthians:
"The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body." 6:13b...
..."I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord." 7:32-35
Concern for the affairs of the Lord, and pleasing the Lord. But is this enough of a reason to motivate someone to pursue purity in this day and age? I wish it were so, with me. Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:27-28 NIV) which can include pornography, and of which I am gulity of, even as of late. Singleness has been described as a gift, but it is one gift that I do NOT really want. I want to be a husband and a father, but looking at myself, it does not seem possible. So, again I ask, "Why Purity?"
Anyone who wants to give some insights or encouragements or whatever, please, give your comments. Thanks.
And if you want to read the entire blog entry, go here: http://www.lampstandstudy.com/forum/blogs/titus212/why-purity-58/
"Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false."
There is nothing more beautiful or necessary than the presence of God, here on earth. And when we walk in purity there is a closeness and intimacy with God which is unbroken. I have experienced this myself. For 10 years I struggled with porn addiction, and God set me free. Now I have a continual, unbroken peace with God.
So the purpose of purity (I think) is NOT purity itself, but to be experience intimate relationship with our Father.
Hope this helps!
Scott.
Purity is a big thing if there is sin in our lives it seems our prayers will not go beyond the ceiling of the room we are in.
You bring up a great point in your closing sentence! I know we've talked about it in the office before too, that feeling of, "If I'm sinning is God really hearing my prayers?" I don't have an answer to the question though, because I know I've asked myself before and felt like I didn't get an answer, haha. The "easy" answer is to refer to Grace... but that doesn't necessarily put me at ease when I know I'm in the wrong.
So basically, all that's to say... I dunno.
I'm not going to say we are all destined to sin so go ahead, but I will say or at least repeat/para phrase Biblical teaching: If you say you haven't sinned, you are a liar. When you sin, you have an advocate, Jesus Christ who died for your sin. When you ask forgiveness, God forgives you your sin and cleanses ALL unrighteousness.
I believe that is the key, again, not to sin so grace abounds (may it never be), but repent, ask forgiveness and walk in that forgiveness and holy cleanliness, and I believe that's as close as any of us will be to "pure", since in the one sense, we're all guilty of falling short of God's glory, so we are stained and impure, without the Blood of Jesus.
Having said all that, Purity is of the Lord alone, Jesus died for sinners, took the curse of sin/disobedience on Himself at the Cross, and impute/imparted HIS Purity and Holiness and Blamelessness/Spotlessness to/on/in us.
What a deal! ;)
Matchless love, who can compare?
Try focusing on Jesus and God's faithfulness and mercy, give Him the Praise and Glory, and I believe you'll find yourself agreeing, you're as pure as you'll ever be, and it's an awesome gift from God!
And perhaps some of that attitude has affected my walk as an adult. I know that Jesus loves me, but I can't get past my image of God as the harsh judge, just waiting to fling us into hell if we make one mis-step. I am seeking putity not becuase I hate porn, but becuase I know God expects it of me, and my wife expects it of me. Porn still holds a huge attraction to me that I have to beat away with prayer every day. I still haven't found anything that calms my anxiety like porn does ... not even prayer. Ok, you can tell me thats because I am spiritually immature ... I can take it ... cause I know I am a spiritual weekling.
Well, thats my experience anyway. I don't expect anybody to feel sorry for me, and I don't intend to excuse my addiction--I do know its wrong--and I am tyring to fight it--even though fighinting it makes me feel like I am giving up my best friend.
I also have had the struggle with pornography, and know (from experiance) that even if you can put it asside, it will come back and grab you. It'll be a struggle for the rest of your life. But forgiveness will always be there!
BE ENCOURAGED because God grants the desires of our hearts, and if He has given you the desire to be a husband and father, He has given you the disire so that He might fullfill it. You just have to wait for His time, and the woman He made for you.
Blessings upon you from the Savior!
Erika
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