Pure in Mind, Heart, and Body
What does it mean to be pure? It is defined as “[n]ot mixed or adulterated with any other substance or material.”[1] Synonyms are “unadulterated, uncontaminated, unmixed, undiluted, unalloyed, unblended.”[2] As Christians, we need to strive for purity in our minds, our hearts, and our bodies! How can we aim for this?
Pure in Mind
First, we must decide to be pure in our minds. As a man thinks, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). We must think on pure things. Philippians 4:8 exhorts: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” God has well equipped us with His Word so that we can fill our minds with good and pure things. We must take the time to read, study, and meditate on His Word. On the flip side, if we fill our minds with worldly or contaminated things, our minds will dwell on these things and it will negatively affect our actions!
Pure in Heart
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). What does it mean to be pure in heart? The Greek word for “pure” in Matthew 5:8 is katharos. It means “clean, blameless, free from sin and guilt.”[3] The Greek word for “heart” in this verse is kardia. This word can refer to our physical heart, but it can also refer to the center of spiritual life.[4] As people, we want to be blameless; and as Christians, we can be “unstained from guilt” because of the continuous cleansing of the blood of Christ. First John 1:7 promises: “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” We can keep our hearts pure by continually walking in the light! We are to persevere in our Christian walk with God by keeping our focus on Him. Psalm 51:10 says: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Pure in Body
If we are wholeheartedly trying to keep our minds and our hearts pure, being pure in body will logically follow. Physically, how are we to keep our bodies pure for Him? We will be careful with what we put into our bodies. This includes the food choices we make and abstaining from harmful drugs and/or substances that would pollute our bodies. We will also need to be mindful of how we are dressing our bodies. Dressing modestly will not only help us be shining lights for God (which is a commandment!), but it will also help our fellow Christians to keep their minds pure for Him!