MAR 31

2 Timothy 2:22
Memorise Philippians 4:8
“…blessed are the pure in heart.”

In this last letter of Paul before he was executed by the Romans, Paul wrote to Timothy, “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

 In this verse, Paul encourages Timothy to:

1. Flee youthful lusts  (passions  that  are  common  to  the  younger generations – like impatience and sexual sins)
2. Follow (pursue) the Christian virtues of righteousness, faith, charity, peace
3. Do these with “them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” What is called for here is a sanctified, untainted, single-minded dedication to God. Our Lord says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”. God Himself is the epitome of pureness, and it is only with pure heart, pure eyes that we can see (know) Him! Why did Paul ask Timothy to do these with other Christians of like mind? I think it is because, as Christians, we all need mutual support in our walk with the Lord. The Roman world during the time of Paul and Timothy was a very sinful world (e.g. adultery, fornication and homosexuality were all rampant) and it is difficult to stand firm alone. Likewise we must support each other in our quest for purity.

How do we have pure mind, pure thoughts, glorying to God? Listen to Paul, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Dear teen, guard your mind. Paul taught in Philippians 4:8 that the Christian’s mind should be focused on the great truths of Scripture. Pure thoughts come from thinking on those things that are true and all of God’s Word is truth. Be careful therefore what you read. Do not waste your time reading those materials that are not true to Scripture. As we meditate on the things that are honest and just, these thoughts will guide our actions. The end result will be a life that that is pure and good.

Thought: We should not be conformed to this world.
Prayer: Lord, help me to immerse myself so much in Thy love that I will always be pure, and thus glorify Thy name daily.