Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.  1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)

Today we finish our look at our verse from Paul’s letter to Timothy.  This verse has given us insight as to how our daily lives are to reflect the life of Christ in us.  Our focus for this week is purity.

That’s a word we don’t hear much, especially in the context of our conduct.  Our society is much more interested in the perverse, the crude, the harmful.  However, if we are followers of Christ, purity is something we must be serious about.

The book of Proverbs tells us what is pure: “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him,” Proverbs 30:5 (HCSB).   We are told that God’s Word, the Bible, is the standard of purity.  If we want to know what purity is and how to live in purity, we must study the Scriptures for ourselves and allow God’s Word to teach us how to live.  Within the pages of the Bible, we find true wisdom.

“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.” James 3:17 (NLT)

James tells us that not only is God’s wisdom pure, but it also displays itself in the life of a believer though specific behaviors – peacefulness, gentleness, humility, mercy and  thoughtfulness.  When purity is our pursuit, our actions will show the depth of our  pursuit.  And if we are trying to live a life of purity, it will be evident in our speech, in our conduct, in the way we love and in the depth of our faith.

Let’s take Paul’s advice and be a godly example, displaying the love of Christ to everyone, through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Our world needs the light and love of Christ, will you share it today?