The word “purity” seemed to lose its cultural appeal in the early 2000’s with the Purity Culture movement and sex; it definitely doesn’t seem to be a popular choice for a blog title, conversation topic or headline.  But today, in conversations with men and in exploring the depth of this word as it relates to life and the heart, I am finding that many guys currently place a high value on purity. 

I have a friend who is a scientific researcher; He understands that the smallest contaminant can ruin an entire experiment. Months, or even years of work could be thrown out if the sterile procedures are not followed correctly and bacteria breeds.  And, through many conversations with men, I find that we often go to great lengths to avoid contamination of things that we highly value, especially food! 🤣. Smoking brisket, offshore fishing, hunting, grilling and cooking–hey, we strive for perfection!  We want purity to enhance the elemental flavors of what we enjoy. We want the highest quality, the best cuts from the pasture, the fish straight from the sea–not the cesspool. 

But, do we bring this same passion for purity to our own hearts? 

Pursuing heart purity may be one of the greatest joys in life; In it is wholeness. And as a man, finding wholeness is deeply soul satisfying. I am learning there is a way to this heart wholeness, and I found some understanding of this in Psalms 119:9 that I want to share today.

How can a young person stay pure?

The Hebrew word for “pure” here is zakkáh. This is “wholeness”; it expresses itself in a heart that has clean motives and intentions; it is sincere, filled with integrity and love, and free from contamination. So, how can a man stay pure?

“..by obeying His word.”

“lishmor” is the verb used here for “obeying”. It means to keep and guard; to watch over, to protect, to actively preserve, to live intentionally, to align your paths with God’s truth. 

In other words, How do I live a life that aligns with what God desires, thereby bringing wholeness, purpose, and fulfillment?

From Psalms 119:10-16, I see that a man can pursue “heart” purity by (NLT version)…

• Seeking God, not hiding or running from Him. (vs 10)
• Hiding His word in the heart (vs 11): deeply internalizing scripture through memorization and meditation, allowing it to guide your thoughts and actions, which come from the heart.
• Praising Him (vs 12): expressing gratitude, admiration, and worship for God’s character and actions.
• Being teachable in His word (vs 12): understanding I don’t have everything figured out, and I have more to learn.
• Reciting aloud His word (vs 13)
• Rejoicing in His word (vs 14): feeling and showing great joy or delight in what He reveals. 
• Studying His word (vs 15): devoting time and attention to it. Think of the time towards your hobbies; is the same energy invested in His word?
• Reflecting on His ways (vs 15): thinking deeply and carefully about the significance, purpose, or implications of God’s ways.
• Delighting in His word (vs 16)
• Remembering His word (vs 16)

I have found that the further I dive into these, the greater wholeness I find, because I am drawn nearer to God, understanding his heart, and understanding how to truly live. And this greatly deepens my satisfaction in life and in Him.

What could this look like for you today?

For me personally, staying pure, or whole, looks like….

• protecting/guarding my heart from voices or sources that do not align with God
• pursuing a clean conscience, and confessing sin regularly
• resisting bitterness in co-parenting conflicts
• keeping my motives aligned with His
• guarding my mind from old selfish, guilt, shame or fear-driven patterns
• responding from the Spirit, not my wounds
• staying emotionally and spiritually honest
• letting love lead, always

Moving Forward

–>Where is your current value for purity for your own heart?

–>What will you do today to pursue purity and wholeness? 

Thoughts or comments? Alex Gerber, gerberxc@gmail.com

______ 

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. 

I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. 

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 

I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. 

I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. 

I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. 

I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. 

I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. 

Psalms 119:9-16