Purity...

Psalm 119:9  (NASB)

 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word.

What do you think of when you hear “purity”? It is quite the opposite of what the world’s standard is today. Purity is basically trying to live right (i.e. God’s way) while surrounded by wickedness, or impurity. It is everywhere you go. There are no longer magazine or television ads we can view without some sort of impurity. Movies are getting really racy with their characters. TV shows are nearly as bad as movies anymore.

What does God demand of us with this? Two examples in the New Testament.

Romans 14:21  (NASB)
It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.

1 Corinthians 8:13  (NASB)
Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.

Now, to clarify this, God is not saying do not eat meat or drink wine. He is saying that if doing these things… or anything… causes your brother or sister (friend, family, co-worker) to stumble, then do not do it in their presence. I have a friend who does not drink at all. I occasionally have a glass of wine. I will not drink in front of her because I do not want to offend her. This is how we help each other with our weaknesses.

A potential partner will do the same. If you have a problem in a certain area of your life, he or she should not encourage you to partake in that area, and he or she will also respect your decision and not partake as well. It can be anything you have been convicted of. My personal conviction at this time is to not date until I find the one God tells me I will marry. I have further convictions than that within a relationship, but those are for me and my future husband to discuss. Perhaps you will hear about them when the time is right. J

By the way, I wanted to say that last week I was told by an old friend I should lower my standards. He just does not understand that what God wants for me requires high standards. Don’t let anyone tell you that… and if they do, don’t believe them. KEEP GOD'S WORD, and you will NEVER go wrong.