This semester God has been teaching me about what it means to be righteous. It's not what I would like to think it is. That being living a generally 'good' and moral life. It's not just looking the part outwardly or holding your tongue when certain things cross your mind. It's more about surrender, obedience, discipline, discretion, purity, and wisdom. But what do these words mean? What does it look like for my character to be marked by these things? Today I want to focus on purity.
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word." -Psalm 119:9
So often we (especially women) talk about guarding our hearts. Usually we are referring to protecting it from being broken by some man that will come along and potentially smash it to pieces. But I've been challenged to see this as less about defense and more about offense. Psalm 119:9 says we can stay pure by guarding ourselves according to God's word. Scripture if full of directions to flee from evil and keeping ourselves from sin. What is sin? Anything that takes our minds and hearts from the love of Christ. Too often we justify ourselves with reasoning that our actions are not bad, but no matter how innocent the action is if it keeping us from drawing closer to Christ and abiding in him, it is sin. So I was challenged to look at four specific areas of my life and outline some clear convictions that I can use to measure when my heart starts to wander.
My Activities: I need to be using my time wisely and keeping my thoughts on Christ. It is so easy for me to waste time on media when I could be diligently getting things done.
My Dress: Am I seeking attention by what I wear? Am I in a secret competition with other women? Am I honoring my brothers in how I dress?
My Speech: I need to check my spirit to make sure the words I speak are edifying to the body of Christ and are rooted in humility.
My Relationships with Men: I need to make sure I'm not finding my identity in that relationship. Even if my actions and time with guys are not inappropriate, they could still be unhealthy. I must first be fulfilled in my love of Christ.
"If there is an Enemy of Souls (and I have not the slightest doubt that there is), one thing he cannot abide is the desire for purity. Hence a man's or woman's passions become his battleground. The Lover of Souls does not prevent this. I was perplexed because it seemed to me He should prevent it, but He doesn't. He wants us to learn to use our weapons." -Elisabeth Elliot
