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Lately, God has given me several opportunities to see His heart on purity issues. So many of my young friends have found themselves in predicaments resulting from choices they wish they could change. My temptation is to run from this issue because it is uncomfortable to talk about. I don’t want to look into a teenager’s eyes and tell them the truth about boundaries and sex. I hate being uncomfortable! All I want to do is smile, say, “God loves you, things will be OK.”….and leave it at that. However, God is growing in me the desire to speak, write, and pour into girl’s lives His Truth about purity…before and after any predicaments. He is so much bigger than consequences and circumstances and I know that He is faithful to redeem everything. However, I know that He would love to see His children guard themselves against such matters for their sake as well as His namesake.
The world is nasty nasty, so an intervention is necessary.
Tonight, our Young Professional Bible Study met to study John. We began in chapter one where John presents Truth to combat many misinterpretations that had already sprung up among the church. Several cults denying the deity and sovereignty of Christ had made their way into popular culture. John’s presentation of the Truth intervened and lovingly directed people back to the Truth of Christ. We discussed the abuse of Grace as being the abuse of Christ, Himself… and well when you put it that way…. it makes me think about Grace a little differently. Who wants to see the abuse of Christ?
So, why do we hesitate as believers to intervene? (I’m talking about Holy-Spirit led intervention.) We don’t want to hurt relationships. We don’t want to come across as judgmental. I’m right there. God is gently telling me that it can be possible to intervene with love and respect. If He went through the trouble to die on the cross to set us free…why would we hesitate on making this glorious freedom known? At least then people would have the chance to decide for themselves. But, too often we judge that people just wouldn’t want to hear what God says about purity, freedom, and salvation…so we remain quiet. I am so guilty of this! The other half of this is patience. After presenting truth, being willing to wait for people to be ready and wait for people to be willing to change because it’s in their hearts to make Jesus Lord. Presentation of Truth goes only so far….it is the power of the Holy Spirit that turns on the light in someone’s heart. So in that meantime…waiting and relentlessly loving is what we are calling to do. Love is patient and kind and doesn’t keep a record of wrongs….yada yada. good stuff.
What to do?
Well I have a lot of good intentions and a prayer list a mile long. That probably won’t change. What will change is intentions giving way to actions and chipping away at the opportunities God brings my way- making the most of them. Listening. Digging. Asking questions. Remaining excited about God’s truth. Worshipping. Having JOY even when I don’t feel like it. Remembering that it is Christ in me- the hope of glory.
In honor of all the great things Julie Mangrem taught me, I have begun to study and write about Purity…. I’m excited to see what God teaches me and others along the journey! Resources that I”m reading: 5 Love Languages, Book of James, Book of 1 Corinthians, Passion and Purity, Every Young Woman’s Battle, Redeeming Love, The Scarlet Thread…..looking at more.
I’m always excited to see what God will do next!
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