Game Changers: Purity

What is a game changer? A game changer is an athlete or play that suddenly changes the outcome of a game or contest, or a person or thing that dramatically changes the course, strategy, character, etc., of something. Spiritually, purity is a game changer — because it is the standard of God. If we call ourselves Christians, purity must be something we are concerned with on a regular basis. We need to be aware of all the things on a daily basis that can defile us. Because when we’re spiritually impure, we separate ourselves from God; it changes our relationship with Him.

How can we be pure? It begins in the heart — the essence of Christianity (Matt. 5:8). The toughest battles are fought in the heart. It’s the battleground for our war with Satan and the flesh. The Greek word for heart is “kardia,” which is defined as the mind, character, inner self. Just like our physical heart is the chief organ of our body, the chief organ of our spiritual life is the mind (Prov. 4:23). It’s between the ears, not the organ that pumps blood. So, what areas of life is purity manifested?

Mental purity: Everything begins with our thoughts. There’s a battle going on in your mind. Meditate on proper things (Phil. 4:8). We must stop thinking about money, nudity, revenge, and starting getting our thoughts under control and start thinking about what is right.

Moral purity: Live by a higher standard in your life (Eph. 4:25-5:4). Having a pure heart is a choice (Ps. 119:9, 140). We are as pure as we choose to be. Is that difficult? Yes, because our loyalties can be divided (Ps. 86:11). A pure heart is without mixed motives; it’s not divided.

Sexual purity: We are challenged every day to keep our minds pure, as we are bombarded by sexually-oriented images everywhere we go. If we are having sexual problems within our lives, it is defiling our marriages and families (Eph. 5:3). Flee those desires (I Cor. 6:18). Strive to be pure. Hold up the sanctity of marriage, purity and honor.

Doctrinal purity: If we don’t get doctrine right, we’re not going to get purity right. We are students of God’s law and we need to constantly seek it. According to I Pet. 1:13-21, living pure honors the Father, honors the cross and gives meaning to life.

It all begins in the mind. Everything we say and do originates from our thoughts. “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7).