Nougat 6

Today’s Holy Nougat is the final in the ‘Exemplary’ series and perhaps offers a greater challenge for us all.

“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but become an example of the faithful—in speech, in conduct, in love, in faithfulness, and in purity.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭TLV‬‬

Be an example in Purity. That’s somewhat odd. Is Paul asking Timothy to get a placard that publicly declared him pure? Or did they have purity certificates like I’ve heard some cultures do? But if that were so, it would be normative, and shouldn’t require instructions. Right?

In Philippians 4:8, Paul uses a similar concept to Purity in proposing how to achieve unity. There he encourages the church at Philippi to have the mind of Christ by focusing on what is pure.

From that context I concluded ‘Pure’ refers to wholesome conversation and activity. As Paul’s epistle to Titus indicates a call for bishops to refrain from using ‘filthy lucre’, I presume that this could convey a similar concept.

As Christ’s exemplars in a world inundated with graphic images, gaming options, books, comics, bars and movies dedicated to violence and pornography, holding on to a pure mind isn’t as simple as Paul’s time. Since the violence has seeped into the everyday routine; it is even harder to protect ourselves from all that is happening.

But, seeing/hearing and succumbing are NOT the same. We have the choice about what we intentionally internalize and with what we associate. We can determine to avoid the sex, murder and violence, foul language, demeaning talk that sometimes passes for entertainment. Unfortunately, for some of us, the lure of the forbidden pulls us in; and somehow we are caught – hook, line and sinker.

So let’s take it from the somewhat abstract to the personal:

What do we consider as impure?

Are any of those things that we struggle to overcome?

Are any of those things you already overcame?

If yes, how did you overcome?

How can we be exemplary in our lifestyle for others wrestling with addictions and entertainment deemed impure?

What can we do to reduce the contagion of impurity in our community/nation?

Might I suggest it begins with yielding to Christ. He will help us remain faithful, get restored and invite others to do likewise. The best news – He’s only a thought or prayer away, and is already interceding for us. We can appeal to Him right now.

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May all we seek be found in Christ