Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Drain My Dross

When I think of purity, the image of a teenage girl who wants to save herself for her future husband pops into my head. Purity seems to be something only "good Christian girls" should care about. It's inconsequential, or renamed, for the rest of us.

Many girls that I know have purity rings. Only a few guy friends have one. I always thought that I didn't need a purity ring because a metal circle on my finger was inconsequential to my purity."Whether or not I have a ring," I reasoned, "I'm going to keep my virginity." It wasn't until recently that I realized that the purpose of a purity ring has nothing to do with your actual purity. A purity ring is much like baptism. Baptism doesn't save you. It won't earn you a place in heaven, nor does it guarantee your relationship with Jesus. Faith and actions, along with God's love, faithfulness, and grace, do that. Baptism is a herald publicizing your recent commitment to God. It is the same with purity rings. Purity rings are small, silver heralds proclaiming your decision to save your virginity and sexuality for your future spouse. These rings indicate that you have high standards for your spouse. Constantly wearing your ring symbolizes your on-going selfless loyalty to your spouse.

Purity, like baptism, is utterly pointless the ring is as far as your purity goes. Simply wearing a ring will not and cannot make you decide to be chaste, or save your kisses. Wearing one will not stop you from slipping into a girlfriend's bed, or sneaking around online. The ring is only relevant if you are unwavering in your commitment to keep your virginity. It only matters if you truly desire to be sexually pure. Baptism means nothing if you haven't committed to following Christ, and the ring doesn't matter if you refuse to be pure with your body or mind.

Purity and innocence are synonyms. They are interchangeable words with the same dictionary definition. They mean being free from guilt, being blameless, pure from waste or dross or anything that contaminates, or freedom from foreign or inappropriate elements. When you are pure, you have been and are being careful to be correct in your innocence.

King David wrote, "Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart— they do no wrong but follow his ways." These are the blessings that I want for my life! I want to be blessed for my blamelessness, my walk with God, for keeping his statutes and seeking Him, for not doing wrong. These blessings are so much more valuable and fulfilling than the "blessings" of sex before marriage.

But how can I be pure? King David answers, "How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

I want to stand at the wedding altar and know that I saved myself from her, my first kiss and virginity and even my mind. What better wedding gift to give my wife than to give her the knowledge and security that I've saved myself for her!

3 comments:

Jennifer said...

These are some great thoughts. I have a purity ring, and I know many people question them for actual value. But the ring is just a reminder; the promise is in my heart.

Shay said...

First of all I just want to say that I am always glad for the reminder that there are Godly guys like yourselves waiting just as we Godly girls are! Its very encouraging. Also I wear a ring as well its a reminder to me of my promise to God to stay pure and it shows the people around me that commitment and promise. Its a wonderful symbol and reminder to me. I wouldn't have it any other way. :)

lauren elise said...

thanks