The Appearance of Purity
Here is an article exploring why Christian teenagers continue to have sex before marriage despite the efforts of their elders to steer them into abstinence and “purity.” The author ends by saying:
I believe that Jesus spent more time talking about helping the poor than he did lecturing about the evils of homosexuality or abortion. I believe that Jesus didn’t spend most of his time condemning thieves and prostitutes. In fact, he spent most of his time condemning those who condemn thieves and prostitutes. How many Christians today would fit into that latter cateogry [ sic ] ?
Thinking about the assertion that Jesus would not stand for thievery nor for those who self-righteously condemn thieves, I began to think about Jesus’ pattern in the Sermon on the Mount, telling us, “You have heard it said … , but I tell you … “
Adultery? Don’t do it! But fantasizing about sinful behavior is also sinful behavior.
Murder? Don’t do it! But anger is a terrible motivation for doing anything short of murder too!
An eye for an eye? Even where revenge is justified, compassion is still the better response. It’s better to make an enemy whole than to make him an example.
So, children, here’s my advice: Cultivate a pure heart, not the appearance of purity. The appearance of purity without actual purity can only harm you.
Set your heart on keeping yourself holy. But if you’re not keeping yourself holy then don’t harm yourself merely for appearance’s sake. Put a condom in your purse or wallet.
Set your heart on respecting your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. But if you don’t actually respect your body that way then seek the medical tests you need to ensure that your body at least stays healthy. You may yet treat it as a Temple of the Lord one day; keep it healthy until that time.
Set your heart on surrounding yourself with people that encourage you in your walk with God. But if one of your friends turns out to belong to a group shunned by the church establishment, be a friend to that person. Don’t deny someone the support of your love in order to maintain an image or an appearance among your church friends.