by Jonathan Meo
Its constantly a struggle as a Christian to keep oneself from being polluted by the world (James 1:27). But it is most important if we seek to please God fully and to enjoy the benefit of unhindered communion and fellowship that we show extreme discipline and motivation to be pure in His eyes.
Before I get into the meat of this discussion- what is purity? How can I keep from being polluted by the world when all this stuff rages around me like a wildfire? First of all, true purity is sustaining a right mind before the Lord. Its the consistent innocence and sweetness of a child singing before her father. That beloved picture should capture our hearts and put into clear terms what I'm going to talk about.
Pauls letter to Titus contains some truth regarding purity, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope- the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." (2:11-14) If we are a purified people then it should follow that we are eager to do what is good! Let us never get so caught up with the norms of the world that we forget God and cater to our selfish wills and destroy that purity that presses us onward to seek out what is good and godly. It is disaster to foolishly seek anything of self above Jesus.
A word or two may be said about the media standards of our day, including music and movies and television. What are we thinking when we establish our hearts to take in such pollution unhindered and unchecked by God? Do we think that by dismissing it and denying it that it will not have any lasting effects on our mindsets, let alone our relationship with our Father? We cannot take His call for purity lightly- the more we let off on the standards of God, and His are absolute- the more we sacrifice our own fruitfulness in the vine and usurp our true pleasure and peace with God. It is disaster to foolishly seek anything of self above Jesus. The potential of our sin to hinder us and corrupt relationships is not measured by the amount nor by the time exposed to its depravity. Any sin, no matter how big or small will keep us from God's presence unless we repent of it and seek it no longer. Are we really willing to throw it all away for the sake of purity? For the sake of Jesus??
I will show you the standards for purity as the Lord has gently revealed them to me through His word and by His Spirit. And to tell you the truth, most preachers/youth pastors and counselors are too timid and afraid to say what I am about to say because it is extremely unpopular and yet it is so important that we heed this calling. First, no secular music- thats right, I said it. Infact we must be even more particualarly decisive about even certain Christian music. Music is one of the most powerful if not the most, of all forces in this world. It is divine in nature- it existed with the angels before the creation of man- and it carries with it divine power whenever it used. I think we take the utter spiritual power of music way too lightly as Christians and we need to tighten our reigns on what we are exposed to musically because the ramifications of unbridled passion for anything other than the Lord promises destruction. How can any music not produced first by a spirit under the influence of God's Spirit be of any edification to us as God's children? I bring the reigns tighter- even certain kinds of classical music (its not the style of music that is at fault, it is the Spirit behind that music who we should be listening for)- we must use good descernment. What would keep my mind focused on the things of God and not on the things of self? How can men under the influence of the evil one produce the glorious meditative music to foster the environment my mind needs to worship at all times -the One worthy of our praises! Glorious Lord Jesus give us your wisdom!
Next, watch no movies that contain any - ANY suggestive, profane, or otherwise impure speech, including the vain use of God's name (the worst offense to God) none that contain any sexual reference or for that matter acts- this is detestable to God- why should we His people sit and enjoy? it. How can a man or woman of God sit and watch something like that and not do anything 1. to remove themselves from the situation to protect their purity, 2. to persuade others to do the same. What motivation do we have to hold on to purity?
Finally we must use good discernment when we turn on the television. Believe me, Satan has done much to grab hold of even believers through this medium. If we are not careful we will fall sway to just relaxing in front of it, letting it make our decisions instead of constantly being sober minded and alert. If there are toothpaste comercials worse than some of the movies we expose ourselves to, then shouldn't we think its time to turn off the television and do something more productive for our lives. There is so much work to do for the kingdom of God, beloved Christian! For our enemy prowls around like a lion looking for those whom he may devour. Don't get caught into thinking that you are immune to this very subtle deception. He will chink your armor until he has shaved off the last piece of your breastplate - your righteousness before God! How much more effective would we be for the kingdom of heavnen if we truly sought the things of God more than to please our own selves- that which actually sucks out the very Breath that gives us life and true pleasure!!!
If we are to throw off everything that hinders body and soul and to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy- we must learn to truly trust God. If we truly trust Him then we realize that He is not depriving us but delivering us. To not throw off everthing that hinders and not think about what is right and pure even for a short time when we have opportunity and control to do so, is sin. Plain and simple huh? Didn't think it could be said? I said it. God said it. Be holy as I am holy, says the LORD. Nothing less should be our desire. Let us be determined to push the line of purity forward, so that God will always be pleased by the fruit of our minds and spirits and so that we might always delight in the light of His presence glorifying Him truly with everything we are!
Will you choose purity? Or to your shame will you choose the unholy, the detestable and forsake the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit speaking into your heart to show you the true Standard of holiness? One choice bears fruit for the kingdom of God, the other heaps disease and decay upon itself storing up to its fullness a deadened conscience and seared spirit -provoking the heavy discipline of the Almighty. May it instead be said of us that we were good, that we were faithful, that we were pure and spotless servants of the Most High. May our Father welcome us home with delight that we remained spotless from the world for Him - presenting to Jesus our King an unsoiled, and perfectly beautiful white wedding dress as His beautiful, beloved bride.