Keeping Pure!

Keeping Pure!

by Pastor Byron Sarracino

In Psalm 119:9 we see a question posed by the Psalmist: “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?” Is it important to stay pure? How can we stay pure in an impure world? What do we do when we find ourselves wanting to do right, wanting to stay pure, but struggling against our old sin nature? Keeping pure is ongoing maintenance. I would like to share eight simple truths from Psalm 119:9-16 that will help each of us on our journey to stay pure!

We must guard our hearts.

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word.” Psalm 119:9

Does God’s Word take priority in our life? We must “take heed” to what the Bible says.

We cannot get distracted.

“With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments.” Psalm 119:10

Are we seeking God with all our heart? Many times, the things of this world can distract us from what really counts. If we find ourselves struggling, maybe we need to take time to repair ourselves spiritually and get back into the Word.

We must internalize God’s truth.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:11

Are we memorizing God’s Word? God will use His Word in our hearts as we face different challenges (anger, impatience, etc.).

We need to stay teachable.

“Blessed art Thou, O LORD: teach me Thy statutes.” Psalm 119:12

Do we really believe that God knows what is best for us? We are saved by God’s grace, but we are not beyond wandering from the Word and will of God. Part of keeping pure is having a teachable spirit.

We need to declare God’s truth.

“With my lips have I declared all the judgments of Thy mouth.” Psalm 119:13

Are we willing to speak truth into the lives of others? Hearing the Word of God is vital if we are going to speak it to others.

We should rejoice in God’s Word.

“I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.” Psalm 119:14

Do we treasure God’s Word? When people are struggling with their faith, many times it is because they are not taking in a steady diet of God’s Word. Our walk with God should be a joy and delight, not a burden. God wants us to rejoice in His Word, not dread it!

We must meditate on the Word of God.

“I will meditate in Thy precepts, and have respect unto Thy ways.” Psalm 119:15

Do we take time to let God speak to us? We should not just memorize Scripture, but also think about how it applies to our life.

We must not forget what God says in His Word.

“I will delight myself in Thy statutes: I will not forget Thy Word.” Psalm 119:16

If we want to get pure and stay pure in this world, let’s not forget the Word of God! Do we keep God’s Word before us at all times? Consider what steps we can take to remind ourselves daily of God’s truth.

God wants to keep us pure! He has given us His Word to help us stay pure. Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

God wants to give us an opportunity to start over again! Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8) The only way we can ever see God is through His Son, Jesus Christ. If you do not have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, you will not be able to stay pure in this world and will not be prepared for eternity. Will you receive Jesus today?