On September 11, our nation was reminded that we have enemies. Terrorists who have targeted our land for destruction still plot against us. As Christians, we also have an enemy—an enemy who through the ages has schemed to destroy God’s children. One of his favorite and most effective methods has been temptation to moral impurity, and so it remains the same today. His weapons are numerous, his helpers are many, and his success rate is great. We live in a world saturated with suggestions to be impure. We must remember that we do not battle against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil (see Eph. 6:12). To live clean in such a corrupt world, there are some principles that must guide our lives.

First, moral purity is vital to our relationship with God. Purity is not an option but is absolutely essential if we desire to have fellowship with God. Moral purity is a reflection of the very character of God, and it is His will for our life. “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication” (I Thess. 5:3). Our motive to be pure is our desire to be like Christ and please Him in everything we do.

Second, your body belongs to God. When you came to Christ, you surrendered your entire being to Him as Lord, and this includes your body. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (I Cor. 6:20). Christ purchased your body with the ultimate price. You are His by virtue of both creation and redemption. Since ownership of our bodies has been transferred to God, we should always strive to honor Him with them.

Third, we all face temptation to impurity. Throughout God’s Word we are given examples of godly men and women who faced temptation to be impure. No one will ever be so spiritual that he or she will never face this temptation. David, a man after God’s own heart, was tempted and failed. Joseph, a godly young man of character, faced temptation right inside Potiphar’s house. “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (I Cor. 10:12). Satan’s purpose is to detour you from God’s plan and bind you in chains of sin.

Fourth, guard your mind against impure suggestion. “Finally brethren…whatsoever things are pure… think on these things” (Phil. 4:8). The main avenue to impurity is suggestion. The world has amassed an array of effective ways to invade your mind: movies, books, magazines, music, Internet sites, etc. Impure actions will always come from impure thoughts that are taken into our mind and contemplated.

Fifth, you can live clean in a corrupt world. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12). God would never ask us to do something that is not possible through His grace and power. As Christians, God will give us power to exercise self-control. We can say “no” to impure suggestions and stand in the strength of Christ!

Sixth, there are always consequences to our actions. “…for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7). The consequences of impure living can be devastating and lifelong. Anytime we break God’s commandments, we are broken as a result. Many young people have reaped a harvest of heartache for years after impure behavior took place.

Seventh, there is forgiveness and cleansing for impurity. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). To those who have yielded to the temptation of impurity, God desires to extend His grace of forgiveness and cleansing. A person can begin a new life of purity and obedience to God. It is never too late to begin a life honoring God and His Word.

God, the creator of life itself, has given us principles and patterns of purity. The rewards for living on the right side of God’s moral standard are not only received in our lifetime, but in eternity. You will experience God’s blessing today, tomorrow, and forever.

—Jack Hooker is Director of Development at God’s Bible School and College.