Purity

Impure images barrage America on a daily basis. Television overflows with scantily clad men and women and billboards attempt enticement likewise. We must be careful even as women to live pure lives. Here are some areas we need to protect ourselves and our families from:

1. Romance novels (even Christian novels)

2. Children novels that discuss unbiblical sex at an early age. Ex: Judy Blume

3. Impure television shows, movies, magazines with unacceptable pictures

4. Sales flyers (models in underwear), posters

5. Radio shows, music, friends or anything that has a low value of purity

6. Exercise videos (I realized this early on with little sons in the room) I make sure all the videos are now modest! (example: Stormie Omartian has great modest workout videos)

7. Internet (pornography is rampant, images are everywhere--from you tube to art stores--make sure you have controls!)

8. Suggestive clothing

Obviously this is not exhaustive--we want to protect ourselves and our sons and daughters from the assault on purity that is so prevalent today. We all know that once an image is branded in our minds, that it is there forever. We need to teach our children how to handle being bombarded with these sexual assaults.

I also think that it is important for those of us who have been defiled by the world (and honestly now, who hasn't?) that we make firm choices to think purely. "Be holy, for I am holy." exhorts the Lord. Yes, wrong thoughts or images can flash through our minds but we are the ones who controls what stays there. It is false to say that a man is more tempted than women are, I believe, unfortunately, we all are tempted in our own ways.

Wives, we need to protect the marriage bed from becoming defiled, this includes thinking wrong thoughts and/or thinking about others. We shouldn't be thinking about other men--period. That also includes men in novels, movies real life or fantasy. Just because you are thinking about it in your mind where no one knows about it, does not mean that it is not sin! It is just as dangerous and sinful.

Most importantly is to teach ourselves and our sons and daughters the tools of self-control against images seek to grasp their souls and rule them. Train them to look away, teach them to not pull up images in their minds, give them the weapons of warfare-- Scripture regarding impurity and holiness, talk to them about grace, mercy and compassion on those who are partaking in such things. Teach them what they should be looking for in a spouse (godliness, meekness, character, humble, etc). Point to living examples around you so they know godly people exist and that they can also live in a pure way. Pray together as a family for things you've seen and/or talk about what you have been exposed to in the day.

And before you train your children, be sure to train yourself first! Talk to your husband and share what you can do to make purity a priority in your family--for you are both their primary examples, what they see you both do, they will also do.

Be sure of it.