Is Purity Still Possible?

Throughout my childhood we have several different pets living out in the country. I can remember many different cats that would show up on the door step and we would become their source of food. I can also remember a few dogs we had; a Beagle, a Collie, and a miniature Collie. I was not stranger to farm animals either. I can't remember a time when we didn't have one or two cows in the field next to the house and for a while pigs out by the barn. But we didn't name those, because somehow they would end up in the freezer! (sorry vegetarians!) Needless to say, none of my pets as a child were pure-blooded anything. They were all mix breeds or mutts. I know some people spend a small fortune for pure-blooded dogs or cats. And the price is much higher for certain breeds than others. It is the purity of the breed that most will pay big dollars for.

In the past few years whole foods have become the cultural rage. We crave purity; our bodies want pure air and pure bottled water. Whole foods supermarkets have popped up everywhere, making billions providing foods that are free from preservatives and additives. (They should be called Whole Paycheck stores due to the cost.) But we crave purity. But what about spiritual purity? Do we desire to be pure; to rid ourselves of all the possible contaminants in our lives that dilute our faith?

One author defined spiritual purity this way. Purity refers to the inward control of fleshly lusts, thoughts and actions. It means "unmixed," a state of being without compromise. It means "uncontaminated," free from outside corruption. Now here's the question, does that describe your life? (Ouch!) Some days, I get this right and other days I fail miserably. But I've realized perfection isn't the goal, obedience to God's Word and instruction is. And if I strive to focus on those things, purity will become a natural byproduct of that effort. It is our intentional actions that will produce purity with God's help!

"Lord, help us to free ourselves of anything that contaminates our lives....Inspect our lives and show us any area where we need to clean house....Then help us intentionally take action to obey your Word and focus on your instruction to us...AMEN!"