Plead for a Pure Lifestyle

At the present age of civilization that people want to live for pleasure, believers are enjoined to keep faith in God and guard their relationships with others. Those living for worldly pleasure will not like to follow the way of God or pursue His righteousness. They would rather choose to mislead others and push biblical and moral values to the margin. Proverbs 1:33 - But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. The followings are discussed: Reject the World's Call; Heed Wisdom's Call, and Abstain from Immoral Pleasures.

The book of proverbs was written more than three thousand years ago, yet it is still relevant for the present societies; it discusses moral issues in such a way to have positive impacts in the lives of people. It matches godliness and moral behaviours and teaches people how to apply wisdom in all they do. Many societies today are doing things their own way, viewing concept of purity as antiquated and not applicable to the enlightened world. God's standard for right and wrong is far different from what worldly societies hold. God's message is the only foundation for life of purity and righteousness (Proverbs 1:10-14). Desire to live ungodly life leads to involvement in desperate acts which eventually results in tragic end. Christians should reject enticement of the world and not allow its pleasure to make them loose eternal focus.

Reject World's Call: We should heed the Bible warning to not join and agree with criminals. Their deeds are evil; they can plan at any time to terminate life and destroy property, and in their violence they set themselves up for tragedy (Proverbs 1:15-19). The way of sinner should be avoided because it will not end well. Christians should choose and follow the way of God which leads to divine blessing. The enticing path leads to destructive end.

Heed wisdom's Call: True wisdom is of God. It contrasts with human understanding and definition of wisdom. Divine wisdom goes beyond knowledge and common sense. It involves having God's spirit for discerning, inspiration and understanding. One can be wiser through divine knowledge with little education than a well trained person (Proverbs: 1:20-22). Divine wisdom warns three categories of people: the simple, the scorner and the fools. The simple believe they can live the way they like without negative consequences; the scorners disregard God while the fools reject His existence, or believe if He exists, has no interest in affairs of human beings.

It is through divine wisdom believers can adhere to priorities of God and reject the world value. God wants those who believe in Him to live by His wisdom. Hearts that receive His wisdom will understand His work and know the truth about Him. Those who reject wisdom and the call to pure life will pay the awful price in the end (Proverbs 1:23-33). Living without God and rejecting His way of peace will lead to ruin. It is when we follow His way and obey Him that we can be assured of true security and peace of mind.

Abstain from Immoral Pleasures: Pure lifestyle can only be lived when we follow the requirements for godly living and act accordingly. We should learn and practice the word of God. His law and commandments should be written upon the table of our hearts (Deuteronomy 6:8 ). It is by God's wisdom believers are protected from falling into temptation of immoral behaviour (Proverbs 7:1-5). Solomon increased in wisdom as he drew closer to God and put aside sensual pleasures. Sexual temptation can be so powerful but if we obey God's word and apply the wisdom we can reject it and stay pure.

Temptation has real consequences. Actions that involve physical, relational and spiritual risks can lead to tragedy (Proverbs 7: 21-27). Through purity Christians can deal with and overcome sexual temptation. Resist the lust and don't be filled with the thought. The consequences include broken physical and spiritual relationships, emotional turmoil, diseases among others. Deep thoughts and desires are required to live a pure life and reject the enticement for sensual pleasures which prevent blessings of God. Lesson texts: Proverbs: 1:10-33; 7:1-5; 21-27.