"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable..." (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)
One word jumped out at me: learn. This implies that purity doesn't just happen. It also means that it isn't enough to content myself with, "Well, I'm not doing x, y, or z, so I'm okay."
We need to be proactive in our attitude towards purity.
The Bible commands us to flee immorality, but purity is much more than just avoiding the "bad stuff". Purity is actively honoring God with our bodies and our minds. Studying what He has to say about purity in His word. Renewing our minds with His truth. Seeking friendships with other believers in which we can encourage and be encouraged to walk in the Light. Pursuing a deeper relationship with the Lord.
Someone has wisely said we rarely fall into immorality; it is usually better described as a slide. Satan is very deceptive in this area and it is foolish to think that we are immune to his traps. If we are content to simply avoid the overt sins, we may find ourselves slowly growing complacent, even lazy. This is a dangerous place to be!
You know something else that caught my attention? This passage from Ephesians:
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." (Ephesians 5:3-4)
Thanksgiving is set in contrast to impurity in all its various forms. Thanksgiving is fitting for God's children, and it is a powerful antidote to immorality. Isn't that an interesting thought?
Finally, purity is a reflection of Christ. It part of who He is. The closer our relationship with Him grows, the more His purity will be evident in our lives.
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