True Purity

         Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 

~1 John 3:2-3

The Bible tells us countless times that we are to be like Christ and obey His commandments. Obedience to God is a demonstration of our love for Him.
The above verse mentions making yourself pure. But what does it mean to be pure? Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines pure as:
        -Free from moral defilement; without spot; not sullied or tarnished; incorrupt; undebased by moral turpitude; holy
        -Genuine; real; true; incorrupt; unadulterated; as pure religion
        -Free from guilt; guiltless; innocent.
        To be pure is to be forgiven and free of sin. To be pure is to be unblemished by the filth and corruption of the world. To be pure is to be as a light.
        To be pure is to be like God.
        Now, we will never be completely pure until either we die or Christ comes back. As long as there is sin, there will be imperfection. But when God redeems us, He begins to purify us. It’s a difficult process; our sin nature rebels against righteousness. Being a Christian doesn’t mean that we get to sit back and watch as God transforms our lives. We must work toward being like Christ. The journey is hard, but the reward is infinitely worth it.
I wear a purity ring to signify my decision to stay physically pure until marriage. I’ve recently noticed quite a few Christian girls are wearing them, and I think that’s really neat. It’s a way of showing the world that we value marriage and our purity.
But I decided today that I want it to mean more than that. I want it to be a symbol of my purity in Christ. A daily, visible reminder to stay true to Him, and follow His word.
We are in constant need of reminders. Life has a way of distracting us from our true purpose. Bunny trails promising pleasure veer away from the narrow path. We are consumed with thoughts of family, money, work, and deadlines, until there is no room or time to think of God. But we must make time for God. Our relationship with Him is the most important thing in our lives.

        So pray. Talk to God. Study His word. Strive to be a pure light, shining in a world of darkness.

        Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.

~1st Timothy 4:12

~Riah