Purity

1 Corinthians 6:18: Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.

Welcome back to another inspirational moment from historical Christian romance novels.

Before we dig into today’s inspirational moment, I want to stop and look at the word purity. Dictionary.com gave these definitions of purity:

1.    The condition or quality of being pure; freedom from anything that debases, contaminates, pollutes

2.    freedom from any admixture or modifying addition.

3.    ceremonial or ritual cleanness.

4.    freedom from guilt or evil; innocence.

5.    physical chastity; virginity.

6.    freedom from foreign or inappropriate elements; careful correctness

Purity can take on different meanings depending on what the object of the subject is. Yet whether you are speaking about the purity of an object such as water or gold or the purity of one’s heart or body you are always describing the absence of any contaminate, filth or sin. Something with purity is whole, clean, innocent, and free from guilt and shame.

The concept of purity in the sexual sense is brought up many times throughout the Colorado Cowboys series by Jody Hedlund. Just a couple days ago I shared an inspirational moment from her book the Heart of Cowboy emphasizing the need to wait on love.

In other words, don’t put yourself in a situation where the flames of lust and desire can burn out of control and lead to sexual sin. Put barriers up that keep you from falling into this trap. For example, don’t plan to be alone with your boyfriend or girlfriend for any significant amount of time. Plan dates where you are around other people. Lay down guidelines from the start of the relationship. Keep your kisses short and sweet. These are all things that will help you remain pure until marriage.

In the novel To Tame a Cowboy Savannah is reflecting on her mother’s words of wisdom.

Her momma had always said a woman couldn't give away her favors so easily. A man wouldn't learn to cherish what he got freely but would prize what he worked hard to earn. (p. 162 To Tame a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund)

Another way I’ve heard this is why would he buy the cow when he’s getting the milk for free. For some these words of wisdom sting because they go against what the world has taught them. They’ve fallen for satan’s lie that sex isn’t a big deal. It’s just a pleasurable recreational activity that you can have with anyone at any time. He cheapens this beautiful gift from God, that when kept within the bounds of marriage it becomes something beyond your wildest dreams.

What I love about this quote from Jody Hedlund’s book To Tame a Cowboy, is that it points out that a man doesn’t cherish, and I am going to add love or respect a woman who satisfies his desires in bed without a commitment. Yet he will love, honor, and respect the woman who puts up the boundaries and refuses to go to the bedroom without a ring and an I do.

Until we get that ring and I do ladies we are in control. We determine whether we will give sex away freely or demand love and commitment. Putting these boundaries in place and living according to God’s precepts protects you from the wrong men and keeps you from physical and emotional harm.

I also like to reiterate that our God is the God of second chances. If you’re listening to this podcast and you’ve already been sleeping with men outside of marriage you have a hope in Jesus to make you new. When you trust in Jesus as your savior and you turn from your sin, He can and will make you new and give you a fresh start. With his help you can heal from past relationships and start anew with firm boundaries that honor Him and His precepts.

If you’re in this situation I recommend listening to episode 20 where we interviewed award winning author Julie Lessman. Her testimony is powerful and an amazing example of how God can pull you from sexual sin and make you new in Him.

I hope you found this message inspiring. I would like to leave you with this final thought. Sex without the commitment of love and marriage is cheap. Don't sell yourself short. Honor God with your commitment to purity.

If you would like to dig deeper and journal on these inspirational topics, consider purchasing our 25 Day reading companion for Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series.Click herefor more information.