Discipline of Purity

When I was 25 years of age I asked my pastor (who was at the time about 50 years of age and had been walking with Jesus for about 25 years) at what age the struggle with sexual temptation went away. He answered, “I’ll let you know when I find out.” Not the answer I was hoping for. He passed away at almost 82 and he never did let me know

I am now in my 57th year and can testify that the discipline of purity is something that is part of being a disciple of Jesus. I can also testify that the longer one practices the discipline, the more habitual it becomes and therefore easier to practice.

Early in my Christian walk I memorized Romans 12:2 (NET). This verse has been foundational to success in practicing purity:

“ Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,

so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and

perfect.”

There are two key parts here:

1) Our part is to not conform to the world. That means we need to choose to not be putting

impure things into our mind and heart. The looks like being on guard regarding the content we

consume, thoughts we entertain, and desires we nurture in our heart. Culturally acceptable

indulgences will take us down. Our brains are very much a ‘garbage in’ ‘garbage out’ device.

What we dwell on grows because it reenforces synaptic paths in our brain.

James, brother of Jesus, points to the importance of being on guard in this way when he writes

“But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then when desire

conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death.” James 1:14-15

(NET)

2) Gods part is to transform. By us not conforming to the world, and yielding to God, it allows the

Spirit to transform us. The Greek verb used here is metamorphoō and is the same verb used to

describe when Jesus was transfigured on the mountain. It is done to us by God just as Jesus was

transfigured. It is almost always a process.

There is a wonderful promise that goes along with this in Philippians 1:6 (NET) “For I am sure of

this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ

Jesus.”

This journey will not be easy always, so keep this promise also in mind:

” No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be

tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you

may be able to endure it.” 1 Cor. 10:13 (NET)