By: Waylon Bailey
Impurity is trending in America and in much of the world.
In some ways, it’s as if we have returned to the world of the New Testament. It would be difficult to find a world more immoral than the first century. However, it seems that the 21st century is doing its best to rival the first.
In the first century, immorality of all kinds ran rampant. Into that world the gospel made a difference by making a difference in people’s hearts.
What can the church do to be a blessing to our world and help stem the trend of immorality and impurity?
First, we can guard our minds. As we deal with immorality and impurity, we can guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) and renew our minds. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1-2).
There are many things in life that cannot happen to us if we do not allow those things in our lives. Guarding your mind and heart is a wonderful guard against impurity.
Second, find strength and encouragement from God. Seek God and seek good for your life. Fill your heart with the pure and you don’t have much room for the impure. I grew up with cattle. I learned that an acre of ground can only support a minimal number of cattle. Put too many cattle in a pasture and all will suffer.
If you fill your mind with the strength and encouragement of God’s word and God’s presence, you will “starve out” the impure.
Third, share the hope of Christ with others. The answer to the trending of impurity is not more rules or better education, it is helping others find the true hope for their lives. As we make Christ known, we will also change the shape of our world.
Finally, place your hope in Christ. Trust Him. The same God who changed the first century can change the 21st. Let us not be weary in doing well, but let us be faithful in serving Christ.
