Through the Storm: Purity for God

Purity for God

Psalm 119:1-16; Hebrews 10:19-25

Back in the days when I had a ‘normal’ job, I was once tasked with having to tell someone that they smelt. Not an easy assignment and one that was bound to cause offence at one level or another. But, sadly, it was truly necessary!

Let’s be honest, no-one likes working or living in close proximity with someone who’s personal hygiene is unclean or at best, spasmodic. In today’s world it is not only unpleasant but also quite unnecessary.

In terms of our relationship with God, it is vitally important that we understand how His holiness - purity - brings an automatic barrier between Him and us, which, without the covenant blood of Jesus, would be totally unbreachable. Even then, we should not be complacent, but willing to do whatever it takes to please our covenant friend and endeavour to stay in intimacy of fellowship with Him. So, it should be obvious that at all times we need to aim for cleanliness, honesty, transparency, integrity and purity in our walk with God.

None of us is perfect; we still sin and struggle with our imperfections and repeating patterns of negative or worldly behaviour. It is when we ‘abide’ in these things that our spiritual uncleanness causes a barrier between us and God. Like Adam and Eve, we automatically withdraw to what we consider a safe distance and hide! Let us be clear about this; it is not God who does the withdrawing, it is us.

It is when we ‘abide’ in these things that our spiritual uncleanness causes a barrier between us and God. 

Whilst we live and breathe, we will continue to clumsily say things that hurt or offend, try to cover up our wrongdoings or find that temptation overwhelm us from time to time and have to deal with its resulting mess. We will never be wholly pure or sanctified (set apart to God) until the day we die and receive our new spiritual body.

But we should not allow these limitations to become an obstacle that will prevent us from pressing deeper into seeking purity and building a greater closeness of relationship with God. He accepts us as we are, though gaining a deeper level of intimacy requires that we do not stay as we are.

I know when I have left the place of abiding, because I no longer feel the Spirit’s closeness and I struggle to hear His voice. This can go on for several hours, or even days, until that light bulb moment where I wake up and realise how much I am missing His regular company and fellowship. It is usually at that point that He uses His Word - whether spoken, written or intuitive - but inspired by the Holy Spirit - to illuminate the areas in my heart that have brought about the distance and lack of peace. There is only one way back, which is to deal with it; through confession, the working out of true repentance – turning away from sin and associated thought patterns or behaviours - and a sincere re-consecration of all I am to God.

The Psalmist in today’s reading understands our dilemma. How can we stay pure? By obeying God’s Word. How do we know what His Word says? We read, study, meditate and memorise it. It is the very Word of God, inspired by the power of the Spirit, who gives us the desire to be different, leads us to repentance and assures us of our renewal and restoration.

Additional reading: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12.

There is only one way back, which is to deal with it; through confession, the working out of true repentance ...

PRAYER TIME:

• Look up the word ‘purity’ in a dictionary and consider its meaning. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you if there are any areas in your life where He is still not Lord. What steps are you going to take to deal with what He shows you?
• Commit Hebrews 4:12 to memory. Take time to meditate on the different characteristics of God’s voice outlined in the verse.
• Consider your life: what is God saying to you? Write down what you hear.

Thank God that when He looks at you, He sees you washed, clean and made holy through the New Covenant in Jesus blood. Spend some time thanking Him for the beauty of this truth.