“Your purity” isn’t an expression you hear very often anymore. The word purity itself is Middle English derived from Old French which was translated and assimilated to Latin. Sadly because our language has evolved and changed so much over the years, some warnings don’t carry the weight or significance they could because the terms and definitions have changed. You don’t have to look far to find synonyms which quickly bring us up to speed on the meaning or purity: virtue, morality, righteousness, honor and integrity, just to name a few.
Sin separates you from God, but often the same sin makes you feel included in some way. How did it make you feel? How long did the feeling last? Whether it was a fleeting moment or years, this separation isn’t the exclusivity God had in mind for you. [tweetthis]You were meant to be set apart, not separated from Him.[/tweetthis]
What are you tempted to do?
Think about it. The first cigarette made you one of the crowd, much like your first underage alcoholic drink made you part of a click. What about cussing? Didn’t that prove how very grown up you were?
Ever had a moment when you were a little too full of yourself? An attack of the I-Me-My syndrome that just wouldn’t stop!
Power, position, and possessions! What I wouldn’t do for _____ (fill in the blank). Such a potentially slippery slope edging toward the green-eyed monster known as envy.
You don’t need me to site examples of sin and I’m not here to point fingers or remind you about any past transgressions. I myself am guilty of these and more. I know firsthand about the loss of innocence, being in places I had no business being in, and the consequences. In fact, in retrospect I have to ask myself, “was it worth risking your purity?” Some things seemed so insignificant, part of growing up if you will, but the consequences were and still are very real.
Be Set Apart for the Win
How do you stop compromising your health and wellness through excessive ways? Oh, my did someone mention anger management–@#!!!? How can you accept criticism with an open mind?
What you and I can do to be set apart for the win is begin with saying, “No.” Face your struggles. Write them down. Acknowledge them with the understanding that they can’t stay. It’s time to tell the enemy, “today is not the day because you are on to him and his ways.” [tweetthis]What you and I can do to be set apart for the win is begin with saying, “No.”[/tweetthis]
“Impure living, impure thinking, impure relationships, impure affections–upside-down living–creates the perfect environment and breeding ground for demonic activity. It invites him in and then fosters the perfect place for his turmoil and trouble to thrive. Unrighteousness disrupts our peace,” (Fervent, p. 125).
Are you praying fervently? Are you building a defense, a strategy, against the attacks of the enemy? I pray that you are and if not, I’m asking you “why not?” Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people.
Next Week
For Monday, read Strategy 8: Your Pressures (pages 133-149)
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