Why I Choose Purity

Why I Choose Purity

Often times, I get all sorts of remarks regarding the ring I wear on my left hand. No, I’m not engaged. No, I’m not married. And NO, I do NOT think I’m married to Jesus. As ridiculous as that sounds, I hear it all too often. Rather, the ring I wear is an outward symbol of a decision I made years ago. In a world filled with contaminates that pry their way into the minds of any vulnerable being; telling us we are undesirable, making us question truth, it is essential to choose purity. Now don’t get me wrong, sheltering oneself from the world entirely is unnecessary. In fact, it’s unhealthy. However, choosing a lifestyle of purity protects your heart, and protects your mind from contaminates.

The truth: Purity is a deliberate decision to abstain from any situation that compromises your faith.

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

A lifestyle of purity is so much more than just “not having sex before marriage.” Purity boils down to a resistance to anything unholy. Whether it be a movie that it infects your mind with lustful thoughts, or a party that prompts you to make decisions you may regret, abstaining from these situations is key. Choosing to avoid situations where your faith may be compromised will prevent you from the regret, the pain, and the emotional baggage associated with these decisions.

The truth: When you give yourself away, you’re giving more than that moment. You’re giving your life.

As David states in Psalms, “I know how bad I’ve been; my sins are staring me down.” Psalm 51:3 MSG

In marriage, a man becomes one flesh with a woman—no longer two individuals, but forming a new unity. Mark 10:8 MSG

Each decision you make in life has consequences, whether they be good or bad. Everything you choose to let into your life WILL affect you. You can’t un-see, you can’t un-hear, and you can’t undo. Thus it is essential we are extremely careful when it comes to the things, and the people we allow into our lives.

When it comes to sex, the act is biblically described as “two becoming one.” I heard a very insightful sermon on this a few years ago, and learned that sex is so much deeper than a physical connection. It is a spiritual joining. In other words, for the rest of your life you are to be connected emotionally and spiritually to your partner. That’s why it is so important to choose purity. When sex occurs outside of marriage, the covenant is not there, yet a spiritual attachment has been created. Thus, if the relationship/hook-up is to end, the spiritual baggage of the partner prevails.

The truth: Purity does not bind you, but frees you.

Flee from evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

So the Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight. Psalm 18:24

Making the choice to only allow pure and holy things in your life saves you from the emotional and spiritual toll impure decisions can take on you. Rather than a heart filled with regret, pain, fear, and strife, choosing purity allows us to feel joy and peace.

DISCLAIMER: Purity is a decision that can be made at any time, and God is more than willing to make you new (1 John 1:9.) However, this post was created in hopes that it will help readers deepen their understanding of purity, and maybe even prevent some future trials.

Until next time,

-Tamara