To the pure, all things are pure,
but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure.
In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.
Purity is a word seldom used in our society. It’s good to be reminded what purity actually means. Here are a few descriptions.
Freedom from spiritual or moral defilement; innocence or chastity.
Freedom from anything that debases, contaminates, pollutes, etc.:
Ceremonial or ritual cleanness.
Freedom from guilt or evil; innocence.
Synonyms of purity include: chasteness, chastity, immaculacy, innocence, modesty; while antonyms are listed as: immodesty, impurity, unchasteness, unchastity.[1]
As a culture we have lost sight of the great peace and joy living without moral contamination brings.
Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness,
faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
2 Timothy 2:22 ESV
Purity of heart is not only heard to find, but difficult to maintain and easy to lose. We must pursue it. Each one of us is subject to corruption. When someone ‘whispers in your ear’ – “it’s just a little lie”… “it’s for a good reason”… “for the greater good”, your spiritual and moral antenna should go into high alert. Just one small step down the wrong path, removes the peace that comes with purity from our heart
Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life.
Proverbs 4:23
As I write this, I think of all the things in life that seek to drive us from the peace that comes from a pure heart. Media jumps to mind, internet searches and sites, the company we keep, money, desires for worldly success and status.
We’ve all messed up on our road to purity. How do we maintain a life that is uncontaminated? We can guard against contamination. It takes conscious effort and action to do so. It means saying no to the temptation to lie, hedge the truth, and cover up moral and ethical issues. Purity means not giving in to pressure to conform to societal expectations.
May each one of us desire to be free of any moral contaminants that corrupt the soul.
Stand Firm Walk Cautiously Live Courageously
Ann
[1] https://www.dictionary.com/browse/purity
