Pure Thoughts
The Bible is very clear about purity. It is not just a concept of physical cleanliness but rather a state of holiness that requires reflection and repentance. In Matthew 5:8, Jesus describes it as being “pure in heart” which simply means to purify one’s thoughts and motives from those that are impure. A person’s heart must be pure in order to be saved. This means that thoughts, words, and actions must line up with what God’s word says. It also entails constant vigilance, so that one does not become complacent and begins to stray from the path of holiness.
In Matthew 18:9, Jesus commands his followers to “make every effort to be pure in thought.” He reinforces this notion in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, when he tells his followers to “flee from sexual immorality” and to “honor God with our bodies.” In 1 Peter 1:13-16, Peter reminds believers that they must live “in reverent fear of God and be holy,” and urges them to strive to be holy in every part of their lives. James 1:21 also exhorts believers to “receive with humility the word planted in you and be doers of it.” These passages demonstrate the importance of having pure thoughts and reflect the call for purity in every aspect of our lives.
However, pure thoughts are easier said than done. From the influence of the media to our own inner desires, our world is filled with temptations that try to lead us down impure paths. It is important to recognize these temptations and realize the importance of resisting them. We can do this by meditating on God’s word, talking to others in prayer, and relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us in our efforts to be holy and pure. By constantly seeking out wise counsel and being mindful of our thoughts and actions, we can grow closer to God and remain “pure in heart.”
Pure Speech
What does the Bible say about purity when it comes to our speech? In Ephesians 4:29, Paul reminds us that whatever we say must be “helpful for building others up according to their needs” and should reflect God’s love and grace. This means avoiding gossip and criticism and instead focusing on “speaking the truth in love.” Our speech should be encouraging and kind, not derogatory or hurtful, and it should always be guided by the Holy Spirit.
We can also practice purity in our speech by avoiding foul language, which is condemned in Mark 7:20-23 and Colossians 3:8. We can also use our speech to help others rather than harm them. James 3:2-12 reminds us that our words have the potential to bring life or death, and Proverbs 12:18 cautions against speaking in haste. By using our words with wisdom and restraint, we can bring glory to God and live according to his standards of purity.
It is also important to note that our speech reflects our character. Proverbs 22:11 states that “a good man speaks with wisdom,” and Psalm 34:13-14 encourages us to “keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.” Our words should reflect which type of person we are striving to be. If we are truly trying to live a life of purity, then our speech should reflect that.
Pure Actions
What does the Bible say about purity when it comes to our actions? Again, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 and 1 Peter 1:13-16 reiterate the importance of living a life of holiness and avoiding sexual immorality. Hebrews 13:4 warns against the abandonment of self-control in favor of worldly desires. Proverbs 4:23 also admonishes us to “guard our hearts above all else” and “keep [our] thinking pure” in order to maintain a lifestyle of holiness.
Moreover, our actions should reflect our love for God and others. In Romans 12:9-13, Paul urges us to “bless those who persecute you,” and “overcome evil with good.” Paul further explains in 1 Corinthians 13 that love is the greatest of all godly actions. Loving others is essential for forming healthy relationships, and if we are to live in purity and holiness, we must strive to live in love.
Moreover, purity requires discipline. As stated in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, living in a state of purity and self-control requires effort and determination. Without that discipline and effort, we cannot maintain a lifestyle of purity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise the diligence required by God in order to be holy in thought, word, and deed.
Pure Environment
What does the Bible say about how we should go about creating a pure and holy environment? First, Hebrews 12:14 warns us not to be led astray by sin. Instead, we should pursue peace by actively avoiding sinful behavior and instead embracing holiness. A person’s surroundings can easily influence their behavior, and if we are surrounded by temptation, it will be difficult to stay pure. Therefore, purifying our environment requires looking at our resources, relationships, and activities.
Paul encourages us to “put away all malice and all deceit” in Ephesians 4:31, as well as “putting off falsehood” in Colossians 3:9. We can put off falsehood by looking at the truth, which can be found in Scripture (John 17:17). We can also create a pure and holy environment for ourselves by surrounding ourselves with other believers who will help keep us accountable and encourage us in our pursuit of holiness. Finally, by meditating on the scripture and the words of Jesus and the other writers of the Bible, we can remain focused on living a life that reflects purity.
Pure Resolve
When it comes to living a life of holiness and purity, we must also recognize our own weaknesses and resolve to live in a state of total humility. We should strive to recognize our flaws and not assume that we can do it all ourselves, but rather cry out to God for strength and guidance.
In 1 Peter 5:5-7, Peter reminds us to “clothe ourselves with humility,” and encourages believers to “cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” We should also ask for the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and act as our conscience, leading us down the path of holiness. As Jesus states in Galatians 5:16, those who live by the Spirit will not gratify the desires of their sinful nature. Only with God’s strength and help can we hope to remain pure and holy.
Pure Faith
What does the Bible say about relying on faith for our purity? First, Hebrews 11:6 states that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” We must have faith that with God’s help, we can live holy and pure. This is reinforced in Romans 10:17, which states that faith comes from hearing the word of God. We can learn about God’s word by studying the Bible, listening to sermons, and cultivating a personal relationship with Him through prayer.
Having faith also involves trusting in His promises. Jesus reiterates God’s faithfulness in Matthew 19:26, “with God All things are possible.” By having faith in God’s power to work in our lives, we can trust that He will provide strength in our efforts to live a life of holiness and purity. Moreover, our own faith must be informed and rooted in Scripture. The more we read and meditate on God’s word, the better-equipped we will be to faithfully live in a state of holiness and purity.
Pure Prayers
What does the Bible say about intentionally praying for purity? First and foremost, we should be praying for God to help us live out the commands mentioned in His word. Praying for strength in times of temptation and for clarity in times of confusion is essential for successful living. Moreover, we should be intentional about praying for our own purity. As stated in 2 Thessalonians 5:23, “pray without ceasing” and live with “faith and love as our shield.” Additionally, 1 John 1:9 states that if we “confess our sins,” God is faithful to forgive us. Praying in this way helps us to remain accountable to God and remind Him of our promises to live in righteousness.
Finally, Paul commands us to “pray for one another” in James 5:16. We should be praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are struggling to remain on the path of holiness, as well as for those who don’t yet know Christ and the amazing power of His forgiveness. Praying for one another serves as an encouragement to continue to seek the things of God and to resist the temptations of the world. By doing this, we can live holy and pure, pleasing our Heavenly Father and bearing witness to His amazing love and grace.
