”...whatever is pure... think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

    Contrary to our culture’s thinking, abstinence is possible. Unlike the world’s thinking virginity is preferable. Despite what much of the media will try to convince you of otherwise, innocence is precious. And though most people would probably disagree, purity prior to marriage must be a priority.

    Why? Because true love can wait. And because immorality is not from God.

”...the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure...” (James 3:17 NIV)

“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality and impurity...” (Galatians 5:19)

    Better than anyone else, Christians should grasp the concept that the sexual relationship was designed by God to be a celebration of the depth of a husband and wife’s commitment to each other. It wasn’t designed to be a celebration of anything other than married life between a man and a woman.

    And while the husband and wife are no longer physical virgins, husbands and wives remain “pure” by remaining sexually faithful to each other. Their purity continues on in the sense of absolute fidelity to each other.

“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” (Hebrews 13:4 NIV)

We will not allow our heart to be soiled or stained.

    Now let’s take that perspective of life up an octave. Try to appreciate the way the apostle Paul describes his efforts in ministry for the sake of the Christians who made up the congregation in the city of Corinth, a church he founded:

“I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.” (2 Corinthians 11:2 NIV)

    Though we’re probably more familiar with Paul’s imagery of of the church being Christ’s wife (Ephesians 5:21ff), it is equally true in illustration that we as Christians live as someone “engaged” to Jesus Christ. We will be “married” when we meet the Lord, either upon our departure or at His return. And so:

“Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” (1 John 3:3 NIV)

    Until the proper time comes, we will keep ourselves pure for Him. We will keep our mind as a virgin for Him. We will not allow our heart to be soiled or stained. We will not submit our spirit to smut or a trashy way of thinking. We will strive to keep every aspect of our life pure for Him. For we are not our own; we belong to Him.

”...whatever is pure...think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

    Lord Jesus, I belong to You. I am yours. Forgive me of foolish glances toward others. Help me keep my eyes fixed on You. You alone are my heart’s true desire. Keep me from compromising thoughts. Amen.

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Title: "A Beautiful Mind, Part 5"
Author: David Smith
Publication Date: June 15, 2002

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