“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” Psalm 119:9
As we come to the end of Paul’s admonitions to Timothy, we see the word “purity.” Paul knew that Timothy would face many temptations and by hiding the Word of God in his heart, he would be able to overcome them. In II Timothy 2:22, Paul advised him to “Flee also youthful lusts.”
Today we live in a world that seemingly has cast aside all morals and the word “purity” has almost disappeared from society. Ways of life that once were hidden are now proclaimed as being normal. The entertainment world has influenced all areas of our society.
But God’s commandments and promises have not changed. His Word still stands.
Romans 6:12-13 “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
As women of God, we face the temptation to lay aside our purity and dedication and follow the patterns of this world. But the Lord has given us guidelines in the Bible to be able to stand against them.
I Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Looking again at I Timothy 4:12, I am asking myself some questions:
- How do I measure up to the standards Paul gave to Timothy?
- Am I the good example that the Lord requires?
- Am I reading the Word of God as much as I should, and applying it to my life?
- Do others see Christ in me?
Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
Prayer: Jesus, you have given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. Thank you for your love and your grace, and for your Word which guides us and directs us. Keep us pure and holy in your sight, ready for that day when we will see you face to face.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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