Hi Beloved,
In today’s culture, the pursuit of purity is often dismissed and disliked by many. Some people consider, salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, sexual purity before and during marriage, saying there’s only one God, and many more… extremes in Christianity. Making it hard for some Christians to be honest without being persecuted. Meanwhile these are the standards of our God. So I understand that choosing Gods way can feel scary because there is so much pressure to conform to ideologies of the world. But beloved, don’t be discouraged by the weight of opinion or the pull of culture — because your obedience is seen, loved, and rewarded by the One who called you. I would say it’s better to be loved by God than by the world, wouldn’t you agree?
But first what is purity - Purity before God means having a wholehearted, single-minded devotion to Him, free from inner corruption and outward sin, as described in Mathew 5:8 where Jesus says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God". This beatitude connects a pure heart with the privilege of seeing God, emphasizing internal, single-minded devotion and I am not talking about just correcting outward actions, but a consistent pursuit of God's will and glory in all aspects of our life.
A pure heart is one that prioritizes God and His kingdom above all else, upholding what He has said in His word as truth, not serving two masters like we talked in the previous email or having divided allegiances, but by standing firm in what the Word of God says.
I want to let you know purity begins with repentance, prioritizing Gods will above ours, and leaning on the Holy Spirit to bear His fruit. Because when we are pure in heart, in thought, and in lifestyle, it reflects the very nature of God and shows that we belong to Him. Some practical ways to do so will be to seek Gods will through prayers, and reading of the word and actively fill your thoughts with good thoughts, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things” Philippians 4:8 NKJV
I encourage you today to stand firm in the Lord. To walk in purity and in boldness before our God, that regardless of what society says about a pure lifestyle that honors God, it shouldn’t change your perspective on the matter, and that you should be courageous in the face of Adversity, at work, school, your family or friend group. Because remember it is better to be loved by God, than be loved by the world.
Happy new week.
With grace, Trish.
