When you hear the word "Purity", for the average person, what comes to mind is Sexual purity and abstinence from sexual immoralities and activities before (Pre-marital sex or fornication) or after marriage (Post-marital sex or Adultery); BUT purity is more than sexual purity. Although, a larger chunk of it borders around sexuality, there are other forms of human endeavors that purity needs to be exhibited.
Purity is not just freedom from contamination. It is a description of who a person is and what he does. It applies to both character and to conduct, especially when you are alone.
There are many benefits of living a life of purity and purpose as a teenager. Purity of heart leads to a satisfaction in life that cannot be found in anything else. It also helps you develop a strong character and set of values that you can be proud of. Living a life of purity also helps you to connect with your divine nature and gain greater insight into the nature of God.
Purity of body leads to a sense of well-being and an overall improved physical condition. Purity of mind leads to a greater understanding and awareness of your own thoughts and feelings. Purity of spirit leads to a more peaceful and contented life.
There are no guarantees in life, but if you live a life of purity, you are more likely to achieve the goals you set for yourself and to have a happy and fulfilling life.
Types of Purity of heart
1. Sexual Purity
Sexual purity means having only sexual relationships with your partner in marriage. God calls us to stay pure until we are married, and then he expects us to remain sexually pure. Sexual purity is not simply about abstaining from sex; it's about being a person of integrity and keeping sexual activity out of sight of others (including yourself). It's about refusing to act immorally toward others. It's about honouring those around you, including your spouse, children, parents, siblings, friends, colleagues, etc.
2. Physical Purity
Physical purity comes from staying away from things that could lead someone to sin. These may include alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, pornography, etc. If you're struggling with physical purity, talk to your parents or pastor for help.
3. Spiritual Purity
Spiritual purity means being set apart from the world. It means walking close to God and asking him for guidance. It means serving him faithfully each day and making sure our thoughts, words, and actions match what he wants us to do. Our thoughts should be focused on him rather than on ourselves. We shouldn't think about our past mistakes or failures. Instead, we should focus on how much we love him and how grateful we are to be his child.
4. Mental Purity
Mental purity means thinking rationally, focusing on good things, and avoiding bad ones. This includes listening to Christian music or watching movies, reading books, praying, attending church, going to bed early, eating right, exercising, spending time with family, etc.
5. Emotional Purity
Emotional purity means feeling happy, contented and sustaining a heart full of pure emotions . It means being kind to others and forgiving them when they wrong us. It means enjoying life instead of worrying about tomorrow. It means looking at our own faults instead of pointing fingers at others.
6. Social Purity
Social purity means being a good friend. It means showing kindness and concern for others, even if they haven't done anything wrong. It means giving honest opinions and advice without hurting feelings. It means treating everyone with respect and dignity.
7. Intellectual Purity
Intellectual purity means knowing God's Word and applying it to our lives. It means studying and learning about God's ways. It means being careful about what we say and think.
There are many ways to live a pure life, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, some general tips on how to be pure in heart as a Christian include:
1. Make a conscious effort to live a pure life.
2. Avoid any activities or relationships that could compromise your morals or integrity.
3. Be honest and open with others, and let them know what your values and standards are.
4. Don't let yourself be influenced by negative or destructive emotions, thoughts, or behaviors.
5. Pursue your passions and interests, but avoid doing anything that could harm your physical or emotional health.
6. Live a balanced life, incorporating physical activity and relaxation into your schedule.
7. Live in the moment, and focus on the positive aspects of life.
8. Cherish the relationships you have with family, friends, and loved ones.
9. Live each day to the fullest, and enjoy the moment.
10. Pray to God for help. This is the most important thing to do in living a pure life
11. Mediate on scriptures and fill your thoughts with the Word of God.
Purity is not just freedom from contamination. It is a description of who a person is and what he does. It applies to both character and to conduct, especially when you are alone. The goal and end result of Purity should be:
1. To please God
2. To choose to live transparently (Express concern for the truth which leads you to demonstrate your integrity and honesty. This is a desire for a clean and whole life free from corruption and compromise.
3. To let your actions affirm what is good.
4. To love others and stay humble --your purity should not make you proud or lead you to look down on others. Your resolve for purity keeps you humble and dependent on God's power to sanctify you. Pure living is a lifelong marathon, not an all-or-nothing sprint.
Benefits of Having a Pure heart
The importance of purity in everyday life as Christians cannot be over emphasized. God commanded us in His world to abstain from worldly lusts and appearances of evil ( 1 Thess 5:22). The bible also tells us in the beatitudes that only the pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5:8). The benefits of living a godly and pure life include:
1. It promotes caution, discernment and good choices when preventing corruption in thoughts, words and deeds.
2. It supports good health and a long life leading to satisfactory peace.
3. It highlights faults in your life and spurs you towards godliness, honouring the conscience God gave you.
4. It cultivates a community of loving individuals with honour and affection.
5. It inspires you to avoid stumbling blocks and helps you live free of guilt and regret.
6. It governs our relationships with others especially with the complementary gender and enables us to provide an example for them to follow.
7. It helps us connect more with God without any sense of guilt (Psalms 24:3-4)
Striving for and maintaining purity affects all aspects of your life. A pure heart will show in your thoughts, words, choices, attitudes, relationships and more. Pure living benefits not only you but also those who are close to you.
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