Purify

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.

mountain reflection

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 need motivation or a reason to do something that is not normal. Those that do things that are not normal have some type of motivation to keep them moving forward on a different path.

It is motivation to make money or have a certain position that moves a person to go above and beyond the normal person in their work. Or the desire for a healthy body motivates a person to exercise more. The successful person is one who has pushed through all the obstacles to get what he wanted.

Believers have a motivation to do things that the majority of the rest of the world will not do. Their motivation is found in the promises of God. God promised He would forgive those who repent. God promised that those who follow Jesus would be able to enter heaven and have eternal life.

Throughout the entire Bible God has given many different promises to those who believe. With those promises, it can motivate a person to want to live for God. To live for God is to keep one’s self from anything that is impure. Bad thoughts, bad actions, bad words, and any other sin.

Jesus has purified a believer of all sin. Now it is up to the believer to strive to keep from polluting the body with any more sin. This is not done to get saved, but out of reverence and respect for what Jesus has already done for the person. A person cannot do anything more to be more saved, but does things because he has been saved.

Each person has different things that they must purify themselves from. Each person sins in different ways and at different times.

Seek God to find out what you may have allowed in your life that is contaminating your body and spirit. These things could be physical or spiritual, but both can be polluting. Ask God to help you purify yourself from anything that is bad.

Jesus has already forgiven you, now just live for God in a pure and holy way of living. With God’s strength and guidance this can be accomplished. Do all of this out of love for God and for what Jesus has already done for you.

I pray today that you will know the forgiveness Jesus provides; that God will reveal dark areas in your life; that God will strengthen you to get rid of all garbage in your life; and that you will live for God with all of your heart.