“Keep thyself pure“
1 Tim. 5:22
This blog is really thoughts for myself, but since I’m reminding myself I thought I would share it with you, too.
How can I “keep myself pure”?
Here are a few of the thoughts I’ve considered:
1) Where is my Heart? and upon what do I think? The purposes I have
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My affection:
“Do not love the world or the things in the world.” 1John 2:15
“Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness. ” Psalm 119:159
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. ” 1John 4:7
“O love the LORD, all ye his saints” Psalm 31:23 -
My occupation:
Col. 3:1-17 fits well here. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” v2-3
Phil. 4:8 “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” -
My conviction:
Is my purpose in life to grow great in the world or to grow nearer to Christ? -
My supplication:
How much do I live in the attitude of prayer?
2) What are my Habits? The places I go
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How wisely do I use my time? Do I have time when I just sit around and do nothing? Do I feel bored with life? Do I spend many hours doing things that are just “fun” but worth nothing to me spiritually? (I don’t think it’s wrong to do things for fun, and I sure don’t want to do things for God out of drudgery — and this isn’t worth much to God anyway– but surely we can find things that are both enjoyable and that benefit others as well, like visiting the sick or elderly, singing hymns together, or playing Bible games with Christian friends.)
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Do I have worldly associations and commitments that take away from God and His word?”Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. ” Eph 5:1-2″Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Eph. 5:15-17
3) Who do I “Hang out” with? The people I associate with
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Do my friends help me learn more about Christ? Are they good role models? Would they rather discuss the Scriptures or watch a movie?”Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Eph. 5:11
The importance of purity: Biblical examples
Yet why is it so important for me to “keep myself pure”? I have considered various Bible characters who failed in this and some of the results they suffered from.
Solomon failed in relation to his heart. “Now King Solomon loved many foreign women” 1Kings 11:1 As a result the kingdom was divided, and his peace was affected.
David likely failed in his habits. It appears “he arose from his couch” and went for an idle stroll. As a result of his sin against Uriah and with Bathsheba the sword did not depart from his house, his own family rose up against him, and many in Israel died.
Lot failed in both his aspirations and associations. As a result, he lost everything that he had been attracted to and sought after. His possessions were burned, his wife perished, and his family was dishonoured. His earthly treasures didn’t stand the test of the fire.
Samson failed in all three: He had worldy purposes, went to unclean places, and spent his time with ungodly people. As a result he lost his separation, strength, sight, and ultimately his “soul” or life. “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?” Matt 16:25-26
The Lord Jesus is the perfect example of purity.
The Lord Jesus was pure in thought, deed, and word. He was “separate from sinners” yet always available as a friend to the downcast and needy sinner. His voice could cause those who came to lay their hands on him to fall backward to the ground, but His gracious touch and word also said “I will, be thou clean” to a needy leper. His days were full of “Father, I thank Thee” and his hours with “I have compassion on the multitude”. His heart was ever “I delight to do Thy will, Oh My God, yea Thy law is within My heart.” Yea, even on Calvary He displayed purity of affection, occupation, conviction, and supplication. How perfect is our Example! He knew no sin, did no sin, and in Him was no sin.
Let my prayer be, “Lord, may I love Thee wholely, trust Thee truly, and serve thee faithfully until Thou dost come.”
~NEB