The Power in Purity

And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself just as He is pure. - 1 John 3:3

My wife and I once served with a denominational missions organization as field leaders responsible for promoting and ensuring that unengaged micro-people groups in nine countries of West Africa had an opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. This task could not have been accomplished apart from partnerships between churches there and churches in the U.S. It was a joint effort that required cooperation and collaboration on both sides of the ocean and we were blessed to participate. In fact, partnership will always be a vital part in the task of accomplishing Christ's Great Commission.

John, the Apostle, said that we who follow Christ will resemble Him at His return, and while the Holy Spirit works this transformation within each believer, it is also a partnership requiring our active involvement. Purity does not occur by accident. We must actively pursue it. In fact, one unmistakable proof of God's presence in our lives is an unquenchable desire to be like Jesus. Which begs the question, "Do I really want to be like Him in every way?" If I do, then our partnership with the Holy Spirit will also produce greater personal holiness.

Purity may not make you popular, but it will always make you powerful, and this is why (in partnership with the Holy Spirit) we must always pursue it.

Simplicity is the intention, purity in the affection; simplicity turns to God, purity unites with and enjoys him. - Thomas à Kempis