Embrace the Gift of Purity

Do you see a life of purity as a gift? If not, you aren't alone. Many people view living a life of purity as a duty or obligation, a sort of back breaking burden they must endure. But this isn't how God wants us to see purity. He has a larger vision He wants us to embrace: purity as a gift.

I remember when I began my first steps on the journey to purity over 7 years ago. I was scared, embarrassed, angry, and all other sorts of emotions combined. I knew that all I had done secretly up to that point had proven empty and caused severe damage to all my relationships. I also knew that if I didn't change, my life would only worsen. But one thought that never entered my mind was to see the journey ahead as a gift!? No, at that time it seemed more like a horrible torture chamber, with me wobbling forward in a direction I had never gone and without any point of reference to guide me. I felt lost and alone. But I also knew I had no other choice.

This is where the "gift" part comes in. God truly is merciful. He didn't need to put up with my rebellion. He didn't have to be patient and gentle with me. He would have been justified in just removing me from the planet. But He showed mercy and instead decided to take me on a journey of healing and restoration. And by showing such mercy, He was offering a gift I never would have received otherwise; the gift of a changed life.

Interestingly, the journey to purity is not one of ease or comfort. In fact, it costs. A lot. And it even requires pain as part of the process. I know it's hard to wrap our minds around the idea of pain being part of a gift, but this is the way to freedom. Learning to endure pain in order to reach the "promised land" of purity, peace, and freedom produces deeply ingrained character traits that would not otherwise exist: patience, humility, and gentleness. It is often hard to see this connection between pain and purity, but once it is realized the pace seems to quicken toward the life you always desired.

I challenge you to make a shift in your thinking regarding your personal pursuit of purity. Rather than see each day as a monumental burden of endless temptations to resist, begin to embrace the gift of purity that awaits just beyond the pain of momentary sacrifice. As you develop this new mindset of thanksgiving for such a merciful gift, you will certainly experience more victory and even enjoy the abundant life God provides.

Embracing purity,

jonathan