Though I have fallen a little behind, I am still focusing this year on Philippians 4:8, which reads–– “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.”
My focus for April was the clause–– “whatever things are pure.”
According to dictionary.com “pure” means “free from anything of a different, inferior, or contaminating kind; free from extraneous matter.” In other words, there are no impurities, pollutants, or contaminants.
This sounds like a very good thing. In fact, many people work hard to make sure their water, air, and food are pure––not contaminated––because they know that pollutants and impurities can adversely affect their health. People buy water filtering and air purifying systems; they buy organic vegetables or eat only free range chicken or grass fed beef all in an effort to keep contaminants out of their bodies. Why? Because they know impurities create health problems, while pure water and air and food promote good health.
What is ironic is that many of these same people scoff at verbal, mental, physical, or moral purity. They see watching and restraining one’s language or thoughts or actions as being naive or unsophisticated, boring or backward, unenlightened or even laughable. But isn’t the principle the same? If a person believes that the impurities he puts into his physical body can cause him harm, then isn’t he the one who is naive to think that allowing impure thoughts or language or lifestyles to invade his life won’t harm him as well? Why would it not?
As people, we have a very bad habit. We only believe what we want to believe, and we only do what we want to do even if the logic counters our lifestyle. If we don’t want to do it, we won’t, and living a pure life is one of those areas that most often comes into direct conflict with our desires.
But the reality is the principle holds true across the board. Whatever we put into our body, or mind, or psyche, or soul will directly affect our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. It has to.
The Bible shows the ultimate sacrifice we make when we move away from pursuing purity.
What is the result of desiring and striving for purity?
Matthew 5:8 says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
And how does one purify oneself?
Psalm 12:6: “The words of the Lord are pure words, Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, Purified seven times.”
But the problem is?
Proverbs 16:2: “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the spirits.”
Titus 1:15-16: "To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled."
Until finally what?
Romans 1:1-32 "Therefore, God also gave them up to uncleanness, to vile passions, . . . to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting . . . that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them."
Proverbs 16:25: “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.”
Yes, impurities are dangerous––physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and ultimately eternally.
My focus for April was the clause–– “whatever things are pure.”
According to dictionary.com “pure” means “free from anything of a different, inferior, or contaminating kind; free from extraneous matter.” In other words, there are no impurities, pollutants, or contaminants.
This sounds like a very good thing. In fact, many people work hard to make sure their water, air, and food are pure––not contaminated––because they know that pollutants and impurities can adversely affect their health. People buy water filtering and air purifying systems; they buy organic vegetables or eat only free range chicken or grass fed beef all in an effort to keep contaminants out of their bodies. Why? Because they know impurities create health problems, while pure water and air and food promote good health.
What is ironic is that many of these same people scoff at verbal, mental, physical, or moral purity. They see watching and restraining one’s language or thoughts or actions as being naive or unsophisticated, boring or backward, unenlightened or even laughable. But isn’t the principle the same? If a person believes that the impurities he puts into his physical body can cause him harm, then isn’t he the one who is naive to think that allowing impure thoughts or language or lifestyles to invade his life won’t harm him as well? Why would it not?
As people, we have a very bad habit. We only believe what we want to believe, and we only do what we want to do even if the logic counters our lifestyle. If we don’t want to do it, we won’t, and living a pure life is one of those areas that most often comes into direct conflict with our desires.
But the reality is the principle holds true across the board. Whatever we put into our body, or mind, or psyche, or soul will directly affect our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. It has to.
The Bible shows the ultimate sacrifice we make when we move away from pursuing purity.
What is the result of desiring and striving for purity?
Matthew 5:8 says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
And how does one purify oneself?
Psalm 12:6: “The words of the Lord are pure words, Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, Purified seven times.”
But the problem is?
Proverbs 16:2: “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the spirits.”
Titus 1:15-16: "To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled."
Until finally what?
Romans 1:1-32 "Therefore, God also gave them up to uncleanness, to vile passions, . . . to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting . . . that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them."
Proverbs 16:25: “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.”
Yes, impurities are dangerous––physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and ultimately eternally.
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