The Pure Way

"How can a young person stay on the path of purity?

By living according to your word."

Psalm 119:9

I rush through my morning rituals, standing before the mirror as a thousand thoughts cross my mind. I've got to remember to pick up the light bulbs for Dad.  I wonder if my sister is feeling okay today.  Lord, help my friend in her time of greatest need.  I apply moisturizer as more thoughts flow.  How will Dad take the news of this disease that ravages his mind?  Will he comprehend?  I wonder if I should follow up with the furnace repairmen?  It seems a week is ample time to order and receive the needed part.  As if on auto-pilot, the brush comes out, makeup applied, scarf tied around neck.  I walk out of the bathroom without the slightest clue as to how I looked.  I could have toothpaste smeared on my chin and food stuck in my teeth.  I stood before the mirror but didn't even see myself, so distracted was I.

This is often the same as it is for me when I read God's Word.  I go through the motions, skimming the words on the page but not letting them sink in, resisting the nudge of the Holy Spirit as He points out a passage here, a word there.  What does it mean?  What message is God speaking to me?  How does He want me to respond?   I don't take the time to discover because I'm ready to move on to the next thing.  I'm not paying attention, so distracted am I (James 1:22-25, 2 Timothy 3:16-17).  

Yet this Book that I hold in my hands is the key to pure living.  I may think it is impossible in such an age as this, to live purely in a corrupt world, but in Christ, there is a way.

Intentional.  One of my favorite memories of growing up is inner-tubing down the river during the summer time.  It felt like such an adventure as my friends and I floated downstream, letting the current take us.  But if we only floated along, not paying attention to the eddies drawing us into a maddening whirlpool, or the fast-moving flow that seemed the safe way yet battered our heads under unyielding branches every time, we often got into trouble.

It's the same with my faith-life.  If I just float along, letting the current of public opinion, or common beliefs, or popular thinking carry me along, I'll soon find myself in a vortex of meaninglessness or swept away on a dangerous-yet-common route.  If I am to live in a way that honors the sacrifice Christ made for me, I must deliberately live purposefully to do as He says.  As I study God's Word, then, I must listen to the still, small voice of His Spirit and heed His warnings, yield to His guidance, and let Him have His way instead of me stubbornly insisting on mine.  As I sensitively walk with Him, I will not break His law as I find my desires have been supernaturally brought into alliance with His (Galatians 5:16-18).

In order to resist the drift into worldly mindsets that corrupt God's best for me, I will need to live intentionally.

Wholehearted.  It's easy to hold out on Jesus.  I love Him and want to follow Him, but there are areas of my heart that I make off-limits to Him.  I think I'm dedicated wholly to Him, until He points out the fact that I crave the affirmation of man, or that I still cling to my desire for comfort above commitment, or that there is still that issue of fear of exposure that I expertly hide in my heart.

I can trust Jesus with my entire heart.  He will not hurt me, use me or exploit my pain.  Instead, He has my best interest at heart and will lead me along as a good shepherd does, with God's glory coupled with my welfare in mind.  It boils down to me dedicating myself to the person of Jesus Christ.  Nothing more.  Is He my greatest desire?  Do I realize He is all that I need?  Am I content with Him alone?  If I were to be stranded on a desert island, do I really get it that making Him my one possession would guarantee me complete happiness?

In order to live purely in a dark and sinful world, I will need to completely give myself over to Jesus.

Guarded. "Truth is for our protection."  The words pierced like a beacon through the darkness.  My friend's wisdom resonated deeply.  In order to stand firm in His best for me instead of giving in to what seems better, I must be rooted in the truth of God's Word.  To keep from being swept away by the words that sound good to my itching ears, I must be able to discern the deceptive teaching are not from my Father (2 Timothy 4:3).  If I want to stay on the rocky path that leads to life, I will need to know the fallacies of the tempting wide, smooth, well-traveled road (Matthew 7:13-14). 

God's Word can serve as my weapon against the deceitful attacks of the Enemy (Ephesians 6:13-18) .  As he pelts my armor with lies and temptations, I can fight back with the truth that does damage to his wily schemes.  If I don't know the truth found in scripture, however, I'll be taken over by the relentless assaults of Satan.

In order to stand firm in such a topsy-turvy world against an enemy that constantly tries to trip me up, I will need to use my sword to guard my faith.

It may seem impossible to live virtuously in such a dark world, but it is possible.  Through faith in Jesus Christ, it is vital that I live intentionally  in order to resist the drift, to avoid the temptation to hold out on Jesus, and to use God's Word to protect me from attack.  In these ways I'll be able to walk the pure way!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can live on purpose instead of just letting life happen.

When do I hold part of me back from Jesus, attempting to restrict His access to my heart?

How am I afraid of letting Him fully in?  How is this fear a kind of stronghold that guards me from the loving approach of my Father?           

Integrity

"I will sing of steadfast love and justice;

to you, O LORD, I will make music.

I will ponder the way that is blameless.

Oh when will you come to me?

I will walk with integrity of heart within my house;

I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.

I hate the work of those who fall away;

it shall not cling to me.

A perverse heart shall be far from me;

I will know nothing of evil."

Psalm 101:1-4 ESV

David committed himself to walking in integrity.  In this cynical world whose ways run counter to God's, I'm always at risk of being tainted by evil, influenced by pessimism, shaped by darkness.  To live wholeheartedly devoted to God's best for His people means I'll often find myself criticized, even by other believers, as being judgmental or acting as a Pharisee.  Even though I don't want to come across as either, there are boundaries I must set for myself as a holy vessel (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 2 Timothy 2:20-22).

What does it look like to walk with integrity, completely and wholly devoted to God and undivided in my affiliations and purposes?

Intentional.  There is so much evil in the world in which I live.  It streams in through the television, Internet and other forms of entertainment.  The mindsets of evil are constantly spewed forth in the media, by coworkers, friends and acquaintances.  It's easy to think in a way that runs counter to God's ways because the worldly mindsets make sense to my fleshly outlook and appeals to my flesh.  

Since I am so vulnerable, I must live intentionally, purposefully avoiding worthless pursuits and activities, staying far away from that which is wrong, and having nothing to do with sexual immorality, even if it means avoiding my favorite shows or staying away from the water cooler and putting myself at risk of being being labeled as a prude (Colossians 3:5-6, 1 Corinthians 5:11).  Out of respect for my body as a holy vessel in which the Holy Spirit resides, it's worth it.

To walk in integrity like David did, I must live intentionally.

Judge.  Judge not.  Remove the log from your own eye.  Don't be a hater.  No matter how you phrase it, it's obvious I live in a culture that frowns upon making judgments.  Therefore, it's important that I understand the difference between condemnation and discernment.

If I am making a commitment to walk in integrity, wholly devoted to God and His ways, His love will propel me toward the ugly, the hurting, the sinful.  As I come into contact with others, there will be times when my discernment will show me something is off, attitudes are harmful, or behaviors destructive.  After all, there is a plumb line for God's people (Amos 7:8).    

When I realize this, it is the loving thing to gently point my brother or sister back toward the Light, not in a condemning way, but with the desire to restore them in right standing with God and others.  Sin is destructive and looking the other way makes me part of the problem.  Coming along side someone stuck in a harmful pattern, however, and walking with them back to the path that leads to Life is what I am meant to do.  As Oswald Chamber said, "God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede."

To walk in integrity like David did, I will need to discern what is God's best and what is not.

Stand.  "You are the salt of the earth.  But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?  Can you make it salty again?  It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless." (Matthew 5:13)  As a follower of Christ, I am meant to impact the world for Him, make a difference in the lives of those around me, bring flavor to an otherwise meager existence.  If I blend in with everyone else, fitting in to the thinking of this world and its ways, I'll lose my ability to influence the world.  I'll lose my flavor.

Therefore, I must stand firm against what is wrong, evil and dark.  If I don't speak out against what is destructive, failing to point out the pain abortion causes, the way gay marriage undermines and weakens the marriage union as God intended, how pornography ruins lives, I'm a part of the problem and have lost my saltiness.  God has placed me where I am to help preserve the society in which I'm living.  

To walk in integrity like David did, I must take a stand for what is right.

It's hard to live in the world as a follower of Christ and not rock the boat.  If I'm to be true to my calling, I will need to intentionally avoid that which is evil, to judge what is not God's best as a way of life, and to take a stand against the darkness.  When I do, I may not be popular, but I'll be walking in integrity as David did.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit as He shows me how to love someone enough to discern when they're stuck in a destructive pattern.

How do I avoid taking a stand so that I won't be ostracized by the majority?

When am I so afraid of looking judgmental that I fail to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with someone who needs Him?   

Someone is Watching

"The king took his place of authority beside the pillar

and renewed the covenant in the LORD's presence.

He pledged to obey the LORD

by keeping all his commands, laws, and decrees

with all his heart and soul.

In this way,

he confirmed all the terms of the covenant

that were written in the scroll,

and all the people pledged themselves to the covenant."

2 Kings 23:3 NLT

No matter who I am, someone is watching me.  I may think I am living a private, autonomous life, but if I belong to Jesus then my faith has designated me as a leader. (Matthew 5:13-16)

I have influence over at least one other person.  When I make a move toward the Lord, they are inspired to follow.  When I drift away, they are swayed to do the same.  While living my life, I must keep in mind the eyes who are watching and the feet who are following.  I would be wise to take a cue from King Josiah and set a godly example.

Intentional.  He didn't just have some vague idea of righteous living.  He didn't brush his position as leader aside as unimportant.  Josiah, the king of Judah, intentionally pledged to live according to God's Word.  I can do the same.  Instead of letting life happen to me, I can enter the battle and take up the kingdom weapons of warfare.  (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

This means I can think of my life as a ministry tool that can point others to Christ.  (2 Corinthians 9:13)  It also means I must walk in the Spirit, not trying to set a good example through my own effort but yielding to the lead of God's indwelling Spirit who is always guiding me and empowering me to do what pleases Him.  (1 Corinthians 2:4-5, Galatians 5:16)  Living intentionally also will mean I must surrender my desires to my Father, letting His will be done in my life, especially when I think I have it all figured out.  (Romans 6:13) 

In the same way that Josiah made a public covenant before the Lord, I can resolve to make my life a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1-2)

Open.  He didn't make this resolution in the privacy of his own home.  He didn't protect himself from humiliation in case he failed by keeping this covenant strictly between God and himself.  Neither did he try to cover up yesterday's ignorance of God's Law, pridefully looking out for his own reputation or protecting his ego.

Instead, Josiah intentionally resolved to live according to God's word before the entire nation of Judah.  (2 Kings 23:2)  This covenant made in the presence of the Lord was completely public.  Similarly, when I become aware of how I have offended the Lord, I can let another believer know of my repentance, bringing my sin into the light where it's power can be destroyed.  (James 5:16)  Hiding my sin only serves to increase it's strength, providing a foothold for Satan to work in my life. (Ephesians 4:26)  accountability is vital for living the life that pleases the Lord.

In the same way that Josiah made a public covenant before the Lord, I can live transparently within the Body of Christ.

Start.  Josiah didn't think things over once he found the Book of the Covenant.  He didn't consider how he should deal with such findings.  In reality, he immediately sought out God's counsel.

I can take a lesson from Josiah, not sitting on my sin once I've discovered how I've failed.  It's easy to think I must wait for just the right time.  People wait a lifetime to come clean before the Lord, fearing His wrath or His disappointment.

Thankfully, through faith in Jesus I have a high priest who makes it possible to approach the throne of grace without fear, as one who belongs.  (Hebrews 4:14-16)  Due to the blood of Jesus, I am a child of the King, my sins though scarlet are washed white as snow.  (1 John 3:1, Isaiah 1:18)  Thanks to the sacrifice Jesus made, i can live as one who is forgiven.  (Ephesians 1:7, 1 John 5:9)  Therefore, now is the time to come before the Lord and do what is right.

In the same way that Josiah made a public covenant before the Lord, I can make a move toward Him today.

Others are watching the way I live my life, taking cues from me on how to negotiate life's potholes.  Therefore, I would be wise to live as Josiah did, making an intentional, public, immediate move toward the Lord.  When I do so, I will be leading others to do the same.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can be ever mindful of those who are watching me.

When do I live as if I have no one to whom I must answer?

How am I foolishly hiding my sin, giving it more power to flourish?

What I Know

"If anyone thoughtlessly takes an oath to do anything,

whether good or evil

(in any matter one might carelessly swear about)

even though they are unaware of it,

but then they learn of it and realize their guilt-

when anyone becomes aware that they are guilty

in any of these matters,

they must confess in what way they have sinned."

Leviticus 5:4-5

A crescent moon peeks out from behind a bank of wispy clouds.  Stars twinkle in the deep darkness of the sky, inspiring thoughts of what lies beyond. Patterns begin to emerge as I examine the tiny points of light.   Lying on my back in the soft grass, I am suddenly aware of how small I am and how big God is.  Thoughts of my Creator spring forth as if I were listening to a great sermon being preached by the heavenly hosts. I can learn much about God and His character by paying attention to His creation. (Psalm 19:1-4, Romans 1:20)

Every human ever created has been equipped with knowledge of God as standard equipment. As a result, all of mankind intuitively know He exists and has made all things.  To make things interesting, though, I have also been equipped with free will, giving me the option of acknowledging God as Creator and worshiping Him in the way I live my life, or choosing to ignore His presence and influence. I find that the further I get away from God, the darker my mind becomes as I lean on my own weak understanding of things. (Romans 1:21)

God created me to live in relationship with Him.  When I deny His existence, even unconsciously, I deny His teachings as well.  I begin to make decisions based on what I think is best or what most suits me and my way of thinking.  Soon I find myself living an ungodly life.

As far as God goes, I am held responsible for what I do know. (Matthew 25:14-30,  2 Corinthians 5:10)  It is easy for me to feign ignorance and pretend there is no standard, but God teaches me otherwise in His Word.  

Do Right

He knew the right thing to do.  The man stuck between a rock and a hard place contemplated his options.  Either he could tell the truth and risk getting caught, or he could cover up his transgression in an effort to manipulate the system.  As the police officer approached his car on the routine traffic stop, the young man decided to go with the latter.  Unfortunately, he suffered the consequences of trying to pretend like he didn't know there was a warrant out for his arrest.

While I've never been in such a predicament, I do get myself in trouble by choosing the easy way rather than the right way.  I am faced with dilemmas every day.  Most of the time, I use my own faulty line of thinking to reason my way to a solution.  

If there is a necessity I don't possess, I search for a way to provide for myself instead of asking the One who has perfect knowledge of my real needs. (Matthew 6:31-33, James 4:2-3)  If I find myself in opposition to a friend, I stand my ground, telling myself the issue is not really that important but I'm not going to back down because it's the principle of the thing. (Romans 12:18, 2 Timothy 2:23-26)  If I see a neighbor in need but turn a blind eye, rationalizing that there are social programs available for them to find help, I fail to love them in the way I am loved.  (1 John 3:16-18)

God gives me a sense of what is right and what is wrong.  As His child, I am called to choose to do right.  (Isaiah 1:17)

Holy Life

The precious gem stayed locked up in the safety deposit box.  A family heirloom, the diamond ring was treated as valuable; only worn on special occasions and protected from theft or damage.  There are some things that are valuable enough to be kept safe from harm.

As God's child, I am considered to be His precious possession. (Deuteronomy 7:6) When I entered into a relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ, He adopted me into His family. (1 John 3:1) As a result, I am set apart for His use so that I will shine as a beacon of hope in the midst of a dark world.  (1 Peter 2:9)  

Therefore, I must not view my own body or even my life as my own. (1 Corinthians 6:19) Rather, I am to place myself in my Father's hands, giving Him the authorization to mold me as He sees fit, use me in the way in which He designed me to be used, and transform my thoughts so they fall more in line with His.  In these ways, my life will begin to look different than what I see around me.  (Romans 12:2)

God has chosen me as His holy and precious possession.  As His child, I am called to live a holy life.  (1 Peter 1:13-16)

Intentional Living

It took a lot of work to paddle the canoe upstream.  The moment my friend and I stopped paddling, we drifted backwards, losing all the ground we had gained.  Exhausted, we decided to drift down to the nearest landing spot and walk our boat to our destination.

It is always easier to go with the flow than to work against it.  As I live in a world whose values are contrary to my own, it is vital that I constantly stand guard against the faulty world views that sound so good to my sin nature but run counter to the truth I read in the Bible.

When I want to stand up for my own rights, ready to fight to get what I believe I am owed, I find God's Spirit reminding me that love is the only thing that will last. (1 Corinthians 13:13) Whether or not I got what I thought was coming to me will not matter a bit in eternity. (Matthew 6:19-21)

When every fiber of my being is ready to treat others the way they treat me, I am called to the higher standard of mimicking my Father's mercy. (Luke 6:31,36)

When I desire financial security, working hard to build up a retirement fund and follow the advice of my fiscal guru, I am called to focus more on how God would use what He has given to me for His kingdom purposes.  When I seek to use the resources He has blessed me with for His glory, I may leave less in storage for my own future, but there will be more invested into His kingdom.  (Luke 12:13-21)

God desires for me to live purposefully for Him.  As His child, I am called to strive tenaciously forward toward the finish line.  (Philippians 3:14)

It is easy to get into the habit of living in whatever way makes me happy, fulfilled and content.  When my own pleasure is what is most important, though, I tend to let everything I know about God fall by the wayside.  I am held responsible for what I know so I would be wise to do what is right, choose holiness, and live intentionally for Christ.  While I may feign ignorance as to what God wants me to do, He knows my heart and discerns what I do know.  I can't fool God!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can take my life seriously enough to realize how much each minutes counts.

When do I drift along, letting the world's views sweep me away?

How do I compromise in my values, forsaking the teachings I know to be true?