On Novemeber 22-26, in Valley De Angeles, our squad and two others gathered together for what was called an Awakeneing. Here, we got to pour into each other as squads and learn from one another. There were three options for breakout sessions, and the option I went to led by my two good friends Praise and Brooke, was over the topic of Sex and purity.
You see, most of the time, when we talk about sex, it is in the context of not doing it until marriage and in some cases, (if not Christian, or in school or other places) about how to go about it safely. I understand that this topic can be uncomfortable, and for some a very shameful and condeming thing. However, the purposes in writing about this, is not for condemnation or judgement, rather, I want to offer what was given to me that will be useful in thinking about sex and living a life of purity.
Most times, we have the thought process of how much can I do before it crosses a line with God or goes against what he desires and his heart. This way of thinking can lead to do more harm than good, and gives off the perception of testing God, which we are not supposed to do, except for giving tithes, which is for a different discussion at a later time. Instead we should have the thought process of How pure can I be or remain? 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states: Do you not know, that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own: you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. We see that the body is for the Lord and the Lord for the body, and that we honor the Lord with our bodies because he bought them, and he loves and cherishes our bodies. We also see that in other cases where it talks about sanctification, it mentions abstaining from sexual immorality, and that we need to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God for that is pleasing and proper worship of him. In saying this, I want to re-enforce that I am in no way intending on condeming or judging anyone, rather I want to offer truth and the why behind purity is important as it relates to the body and sex.
I also, want to make the statement that purity, is not primarily meaning and relating to the act of sex. Rather, purity involves the heart and the mind. In Mark ch 7 verses 21-22, Jesus states that “what comes out of a person is what defiles them, and that it is within them out of a persons heart come evil thoughts such as sexual immorality and other evil desires like murder and malice.” Even with thoughts, it is impure to view anyone lustfully, as Jesus says in doing so you comitt adultry in your heart. Proverbs 4:23 states that we need to guard our hearts for out of it flows the wellspring of life. Meaning the actions we do and the choices we make reflect what is in our hearts. This can be transformed and renewed in Christ, as we no longer be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. So when it comes to sex and purity, it is better to address the heart because the action stems from what is going on in the heart.
Also, purity can be related to motivation as well. Jesus mentions that when we pray, we do not receive because we do not ask, and we do not ask with pure motives. There are other passages of scripture that talk about impure motives. Whatever you do it is important to know the motivation behind it and if it is pure or not. So why talk about purity? Why is it so important? Well Jesus says in Matthew ch 5, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Not only is purity important because you are blessed if you are pure, but you get to see God. What I believe that to mean, is you actually get to see God’s heart and how he loves others and does what is just and you get to experience him in your own life as you see yourself start to live the same way as Jesus and how God intends you to live. I am still learning what it actually means to see God.
When Praise and Brooke led this discussion, they were vulnerable and shared their lives. We heard of impurity from both the physical and the mental aspect from both of them. I applaud them for being willing to talk about this. Even I will confess, I have been impure. I have had impure thoughts, lustful thoughts, impure motives as well. So even though I may have not partook In the physical aspect, I am just as guilty of being impure and need Jesus to show me my heart and whats not of him and be transformed.
What do you define purity as?
Does it line up with what God says is pure?
I would love for this to be a discussion to get conversation about this going, so feel free to leave a comment on what you are learning, or have learned about purity not just in the sexual, but the heart and thoughts as well. I also encourage you to see what the Lord says yourself in his Word, and talk about it.
Lastly, I want it to be said that Sex is a gift from God that like any other gift he gives, needs to be stewarded in a way that honors him. Not only is Sex meant for populating the world, which is what God instructed man to do after creating him, but it is also an act of intimacy that allows you to establish a convenant between you and your Husband or Wife, thus uniting you as one unit walking in life together, and be committed to one another. We should not talk about sex only in light of not doing it outside of marriage or for other impure various reasons. We should also talk about its place and purpose in life and not be made to feel like it is awkward or always seen as something that is wrong. Like I mentioned, there is a way to steward this gift in a way that’s honoring to the Lord, and that one can partake in and experience it how it is meant to be experienced. And Jesus tells us how in his Word.
If you are someone walking in shame and guilt at the mention or talk of this topic, their is freedom and forgivness in Jesus, reach out personally, I would love to talk to you. Also, examine your heart and ask yourself the why questions, especially if this is a current struggle. Jesus will reveal the answer for he is truth.
Until next time
Your fellow flawed human,
Dyl
