Christian Purity

In today's society, Christian purity seems to be elusive or considered old fashioned. Because we are bombarded with sex in so many different ways daily, many have become desensitized and believe it's just the way things are today. Well it's true that may be the way things are in the world, but we must remember we are in the world and not of the world.

I am often appalled when I speak with young girls because very little is shocking to them and almost nothing seems to be off limits. Unfortunately, sex and sexual activities seem to be commonplace or a way of life for many of them. This saddens me because they don't realize the precious gift they possess and that it should be treasured.

However, it becomes increasingly difficult to convince them to live a life of purity when most of the adults around them are not. It's bad enough that celebrities and their friends offer bad examples, but unfortunately it is often difficult to even find examples of Christians living a life of purity.

Are you living a life of purity? Take the Purity Quiz.

I am committed to living a life of purity and I proudly wear a purity promise ring because I've always told my students that I would never ask them to do anything I wouldn't do. In fact, I've encouraged them to inquire if they ever see me without my ring because that's symbolic of breaking the vow. However, when adults notice my ring they don't view it as a symbol of pride. In fact, I am often looked at as if I have two heads when I state it's a purity promise ring.

Nevertheless, I wear it proudly because it's an outward symbol of the inward commitment I've made to God and my future husband. I've also found it's a great witnessing tool. When people ask about my ring, it gives me an opportunity to tell them about Christ and my commitment to Him.

Well even though the world is not obsessed with purity, you must have some interest to have gotten this far down on the page. So in honor of your faithfulness to read and hopefully apply this information, let me continue by defining purity and sharing some information on how to live a life of purity.

The Definition of Purity

It seems the definition of purity is often limited to sexual purity. While sexual purity is indeed a large part of living a life of purity, it is not at all the only part.

Living a life of purity is more than just abstaining from sex. The definition of purity involves the way you interact with people. It includes what you think about and how you spend your time. Christian purity is a matter of totally committing your life to God.

Purity is more than just setting a few limits in your dating life. It’s more than a list of dos & don’ts. The definition of purity is a TOTAL commitment of your life to God (a commitment to Godliness in every area of your life).

If that seems a bit far-reaching, keep in mind the goal of a Christian single woman is not win any popularity contests or impress people, but to honor God with her life.

Why live a life of Christian Purity?

If I were to compliment your purse, you would likely be flattered and say thank you. However, if I were to ask you if I could have it, you would probably say no, right? No matter how much I said I liked it or how cute I thought it was, the chances of you just giving it to me are probably pretty slim.

Now if that’s the case, the question that begs to be asked is ‘Why are you more protective of your purse than your body and your heart?’ Ladies, we must learn to guard our bodies and our hearts rather than freely give them to anyone with a few nice compliments that make us feel good.

So you may be asking, ‘Why should we as Christians strive to maintain (or regain) our purity?’

First and foremost, because we love God and He said so! We don’t just avoid sex because we don’t want to get pregnant or to prevent STDs. As Christians we abstain from sex until marriage because we love God and that’s what He has commanded.

“God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor” - I Thessalonians 4:3-4 NLT

• God designed sex for marriage (Gen 2:24)
“…a man will…be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh”

• Sexual immorality is raping God (I Cor 6:12-20)
Jesus bought you, so He calls the shots (though He gives us choices). Since God’s spirit lives inside you, to force Him to have sex with someone He doesn’t want to is rape.

• Sexual immorality is cheating (I Thess 4:3-8)
- It cheats you
- It cheats your future spouse
- It cheats the other person
- It cheats the other person’s future spouse

How to Live a Life of Christian Purity

Living a life of purity starts with your choices. Now that’s not to say it will always be easy because in reality, sometimes it will require you to make tough choices.

However, God loves us so much that although He created us, He does not force us to obey Him. He does not want us to be spiritual robots, He wants us to freely choose to live for Him. What are you doing with the freedom of choice He’s given you?

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” - Galatians 5:16 NLT

“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

When striving to living a life of purity, decide to give up what you think and what the world says about sex and sexuality. Then, exchange your thoughts for what God thinks.

“Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him.” - Philippians 3:8 The Message

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” - Romans 12:2 NLT

If you’ve fallen, know that God can and will restore you if you let Him.

“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” - I John 1:9 NLT

Other scripture references include: Heb. 9:15; Psalm 103:2-5, 12, 13; Eph. 1:7, 14; Col. 1:4

Know that God plays a role in keeping you pure.

“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” - Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT

Other scripture references include: 2 Peter 2:9; 1 Cor. 10:13

Pray and ask God to help you live a life of purity.

“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” - Matthew 26:41 NLT

“…Pray that you will not give in to temptation.” - Luke 22:40b NLT

Know that you play a vital role. You must identify what temptation looks like for you and stay away from it.

“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.” - James 1:12-16 NLT

Other scripture references include: 1 Cor. 6:18; 1 Cor. 10:12; 2 Tim. 2:22

Remember temptation is just as much an opportunity to do the right thing as it is to do the wrong thing.

Rebecca St. James has a wonderfully encouraging song as well as a book entitled Wait for me that reflects the joy of purity. Check it out and be encouraged!

 Learn more about sexual purity

A Prayer for Purity

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