Is purity merely a line we’re not supposed to cross, a to-do list, or a sort of moral insurance policy that guarantees us certain rights for our lives? Leslie continues her two-part purity series by debunking some of the prevalent misconceptions of what purity is and points to the most important aspect of purity we can cultivate within our lives — inner purity. Discover the importance of cleansing our heart and mind from the impurities of this world and gain fresh vision for how we can live a life that is pure body, mind, and soul.
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Today’s episode is about the importance of inner purity and maintaining a surrendered heart. It is entirely possible to live in “abstinence” without living in true purity. Purity is more than a physical or moral boundary line — it is first and foremost a spiritual line of the heart and soul that we must be honest and open before the Lord with each and every day.
Jesus’ reminder to cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, rather than focusing only on the externals, is the key to living in true purity. While many of us typically try to do the bare minimum when it comes to purity, a truly pure heart is one that desires to honor Jesus with every area of our life.
True purity includes: guarding our emotions, keeping watch over our thought life, and desiring to love God and honor our future husband every day or our lives. And any external commitment we make towards purity should be based on a love-relationship with Christ and a desire to walk in His pattern. The result will be that God’s enabling grace is there every step of the way to assist us in victoriously walking out our convictions. It happens every time — when we focus on cultivating inner purity, external purity will be the natural result.
PRACTICAL WAYS TO DEEPER INNER PURITY:
1. Deepen your relationship with Christ
2. Prayerfully consider what influences are affecting your heart, mind, and emotions
3. Keep a surrendered heart
Surrender is the key to surviving the immense pressure that we feel in finding that “special someone.” In today’s day and age, self-focused living often replaces Cross-focused living. While God is very much behind the idea of marriage, when the pursuit of our own happiness becomes a higher priority than keeping a surrendered heart, we have missed the beauty and essence of true surrender. Jesus must always come first and He must always be implicitly trusted.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If purity doesn’t flow from a heart of surrender to Jesus, it’s not true purity at all. Don’t fall for the ear-tickling messages that may boast that purity is something else than what Jesus said it to be. And remember, on the other side of surrender, we will find the greatest joy!
KEY SCRIPTURES
Matthew 23:26
Proverbs 31:12
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
Eric and Leslie will be hosting a powerful, four-night Purity Summit to inspire and equip the Church of Jesus Christ today with presenting a vision for purity that works. Join in for one or more of these events live or via simulcast and be blessed and stirred towards God’s vision for true purity with content that is appropriate for all ages. Learn more about the Purity Summit here.
Maybe you weren’t aware, but Leslie and her husband Eric also direct Ellerslie Discipleship Training programs that are hosted year-round at the beautiful Ellerslie Campus in Windsor, Colorado. Learn more about our upcoming programs here.
