how can a young man keep his way pure? by guarding it according to your word. psalm 119:9
pure. free of what doesn’t belong. free of self-satisfaction.
before Jesus, believers had to perform various offerings to be ceremonially clean and to atone for sin. the offerings served as a temporary covering and reminders that we can never be clean or pure on our own. they could never fully live up to the laws and commands.
if his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without blemish. he shall bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the Lord. leviticus 1:3
the Lord desires for us to live for him from when we are young… not to wait. he doesn’t desire that we live like the younger brother in the prodigal son parable, squandering the inheritance on fleshly desires.
let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 1 timothy 4:12
the psalmist recognizes that he can’t do it on his own, that he can’t keep his way pure. It is the desire of a pleading and prayerful heart.
create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. psalm 51:10
we have the word of God as our clarity. we have the word as our sword and defense.
therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. in all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ephesians 6:13-17
instead of focusing on what not to do, what does it looks like to instead love the Lord and trust him by being obedient… in this moment… this day… and this life?
~ natalie schmidt