Day 2 – Purity and Chastity
It’s wonderful to see single Christians today dedicate themselves to the cause of Christ! It’s even more wonderful to hear that they have committed to God that they will remain pure until marriage. The devil has been busy working through the world in convincing people that they cannot possibly remain pure until marriage. Although the temptations exist, it is possible to remain pure and chaste as a single Christian – but it will take the Word of God.
Remaining pure until marriage can be a battle if the believer does not protect his senses from the world. The eyes are attacked from everywhere! Billboards, magazines, television and books are filled with pictures that can cause a believer to stumble. Glancing at these pictures is not the sin but dwelling on them will result in sin. The Word has much to say about lust. Christ taught that adultery (or fornication for the single person) is not just a sin of action but a sin that is begun in the heart.
But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. (Mat 5:28)
The world thinks we’re crazy because we believe the Word of God on this issue! God has not changed, my friend. He is as adamant about purity in our bodies as He was in Christ’s time as well as when the Ten Commandments were given to us.
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (Jam 1:14) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (Jam 1:15)
Young people are tempted so much in today’s world because the media has exploded! What use to be subtle advertisements are now in-your-face and the Christian has to protect himself from them. It’s easy to become complacent to the point where these things don’t even bother you any more. That is what is called grieving the Holy Spirit of God. Have you ever worked in an office where they had “elevator-type” music playing all the time? It gets to the point where you don’t even hear the music any more, right? It’s the same with viewing pictures of scantily clad people. It comes to a point where you are no longer troubled by it. Protect your eyes, Christian! Protect your ears from the world’s language. The more you see and hear what the world has to offer, the more desensitized you will become and the less you will be convicted by the Holy Spirit!
If you’ve already grieved the Holy Spirit, it’s not too late to invite Him to start a new work in your heart! It will take effort on your part. Remove the music, the books, etc. that entice you.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (Heb 12:1)
Replace these items with godly ones. Ask the Holy Spirit to renew a right spirit within you.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psa 51:10) Your Heavenly Father will welcome this request from you!
Reading the Word will be instrumental in developing a right spirit and a chaste mind. Yes, developing – this will not happen overnight. Your flesh and the devil will battle you every step of the way.
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 Jo 4:4)
You can and will win over your flesh if you are in the Word.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psa 119:11)
It’s only with the Word and through the Word that a believer can overcome sin. The more you are in the Word, the less you will sin. It is as simple as that.
Turn to the Lord every time you are tempted in this area. You are not the only one who has battled this and overcome and you won’t be the last. However, it is the same God who has brought them all through it. Lastly, get involved with the things of God. Keep yourself occupied by diving into the ministry God has given you – if you don’t have one, get one. Keep your mind and heart focused on the Lord and He will bless you.
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Pro 4:23)
Dear God…
May I keep my eyes on You
As a walk this pilgrim’s way
Keep me from temptation
So I can honor You each day
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