Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1
People try to cleanse their body of physical contaminates for many different reasons. Some are just trying to make themselves look better. Others do it to lose weight. Some will do it for more energy.
Each person is different in what motivates them to do what they do, especially when it is something difficult to do. This works in both physical and spiritual cleansing that people attempt. Most often the reason is for selfish, personal reasons.
After telling the Corinthian church about the promises of reconciliation and a new body, Paul tells them to purify themselves of anything that contaminates the body and spirit. The reason is because of the promises of God and out of reverence for God.
It is very common for believers to flee from certain sins or bad foods to keep themselves clean. However, many will do it in order to look good to others or to make God happy with them. When it is done for these reasons, it is done for the wrong purpose.
Jesus had already paid the price for the believer to be holy before God. What one does cannot add to it any more. But it is for this very reason that the believer should strive to flee sin and anything that contaminates his body or soul. It completely for the reason that God promised forgiveness and salvation in Jesus, that one will purify himself.
Acting in this way is what shows gratefulness to Jesus for what He did and gratefulness to God for His promises. It is not about self, but about what God has done and has promised.
As a believer, think about all the promises God has promised you. Every one of those promises are for you to hold on to. Also think about what Jesus has done for you with paying the price for your sins.
Now ask yourself how you will show your gratitude for what God has done and has promised. The best way to show your gratitude is to keep yourself pure from all sin and contamination of body and soul.
Purification from these things for any other reason will be selfish and legalistic. Make your whole purpose of living a holy life because of what God has promised you.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will live a holy life as God has called you to live; that you will be grateful for what God has done for you; that you will live in holy reverence for God; and that God will strengthen you to flee all sin.
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