The Quest for Purity

by Heather Tietz

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.

Psalm 119:9

People throughout history and across the globe have dabbled with the idea of purity.  Some have sought it out by taking oaths of silence, or extensive fasting, joining monasteries or wearing clothing that sets them apart.  Others have embraced hedonism, choosing pleasure over purity.  And still, others have insisted that the pleasure itself was pure.  

God-fearing people have been conflicted at times in their pursuit of purity.  King Solomon asked rhetorically, “Who can say, ‘I have made my heart pure. I am clean and without sin?’” (Proverbs 20:9), while the prophet Isaiah noted that, “our righteousness is like a polluted garment” (Isaiah 64:6).  Even the Apostle Paul, said, “I know that no good thing lives in me. I mean, no good thing lives in my body. I want to do what is good, but I cannot do it” (Romans 7:18).

And yet Jesus said, “God makes happy those who have clean hearts. They will see God” (Matthew 5:8).  

It is fitting that David has the answer to our questions about purity.  Although he was far from perfect, he was a man after God’s own heart.  And it was in seeking God’s heart that his heart was cleansed.