Most of us desire purity. We really do. Our heart longs for it, the Spirit of God within us points us to it, and the dissatisfaction of impurity confirms our longing. But how many of us, if we were honest, would have to admit that our desire for purity alone has not produced long-term results? To want purity is one thing, to walk in purity is quite another.
As we begin a new year, I cannot think of a better time to engage in a resolution that not only works, but one that lasts!
So, what does it actually take to live every day in sexual purity? And how can we implement these principles into our daily lives?
There are 4 Pillars of Purity that are necessary for anyone who desires to live each day in sexual purity. Let's go over each Pillar and then I will offer practical ways to implement them into your daily life.
Pillar #1 - Profess the Struggle (see supporting article)
Once you recognize your struggle with impurity and confess that you are incapable of conquering it on your own, you are on your way to the exciting adventure of purity.
Humility is the doorway to freedom and purity. Once you recognize your struggle with impurity and confess that you are incapable of conquering it on your own, you are on your way to the exciting adventure of purity. This Pillar is critical, however, because without admitting your need there is no hope of long-term change. And remember, God opposes the proud, but gives GRACE to the humble. (James 4:6)
Practical application:
Pillar #2 - Understand Triggers (see supporting article)
For a solution to really work you must address the problem, not the symptoms. The ways you act out (i.e. viewing pornography, masturbating, affairs, etc.) are much less important factors to address than the attitudes, environment, and temptations preceding. To understand your triggers is to study and evaluate your typical patterns that lead to acting out. This requires brutal honesty and a willingness to deal ferociously with these triggers in order to create effective strategies of escape when faced with temptation.
Practical application:
Pillar #3 - Relate with God (see supporting article)
Apart from the healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ there is no hope for long-term freedom from sexual sin. Relating with God is essential to experiencing growing freedom from sexual acting out. The idea of relating with God can seem foreign, even intimidating, but by growing in intimacy with your Creator you build strength of character and gain wisdom in battling sexual temptation.
Practical application:
You were designed for relationship - with God and others.
Pillar #4 - Engage others (see supporting article)
As powerful and important as the three previous Pillars of Purity are they come up short of providing long-term freedom apart from the Pillar of engaging others. This may sound heretical considering Pillar #3 is Relating with God, but without fellowship and accountability it is virtually impossible to maintain sexual purity. You were designed for relationship - with God and others. Developing deep, lasting relationships with others will provide the support, encouragement, and accountability you need to consistently walk in purity. You simply cannot maintain freedom on your own.
Practical application:
You will notice that the 4 Pillars of Purity form an acronym, P.U.R.E. We hope this will make it easier for you to remember as you pursue being a man or woman of purity. And as you resolve to take each day of this coming year and offer to God as a day of sexual thought purity, we invite you to share your story with others so they might benefit from it. Click here to submit your story and help someone else make a resolution that lasts.
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