Of all the
admonitions in the scriptures purity is one of the most heavily emphasized.
Some of my
favorite references include.
Moroni7: 48
Wherefore, my beloved brethren,
pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which
he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son,
Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he
shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is;
that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he
is pure. Amen.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Helaman 3:35
35
Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in
their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling
their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their
hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto
God.
If
feel that that all too often we assume purity to be connected with the law of
chastity. Keeping oneself pure and virtuous is just equated with that
commandment. Then again we see pure as without sin. Clean and perfect through
the atonement. I do believe that is true but only in a wider context in the
scriptures. We must actually understand what the word pure is and then start
throwing it around with understanding.
The
dictionary puts it as “not mixed or
adulterated with any other substance or material:”
The
dictionary uses that word adulterated which means to add a substance of lesser
quality. In reality a pure substance is, what it is meant to be. The creator of
this substance has a specific design and use for it and when contaminants enter
it then is its purity compromised. If we were to take, raisin bran for example.
Raisin bran straight out of the box is pure raisin bran. Never the less it is a
very distinct mixture of two items. Raisin and bran. But the creation is pure
because it is what it was meant to be. If we add rice kipsies then it is not
pure raisin bran because it is changed. Even pure raisin bran is not without
variety. Pure raisin bran is a mixture.
If
we take this to our gospel perspective then pure does not mean a perfect lump
of goo without blemish for we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of
God and God knows that and tells us not to worry about it. As we go through the
process of purifying ourselves let us not attempt to perfect ourselves. That is
the Savior’s job.
Let
us take what we have been given and make it what it was meant to be. We have
talents; lets magnify them to benefit others. We have been given trails and
difficulties. Let us learn form them. We have been scriptures, let us read
them. We have a Father in Heaven. Let us talk to him. We have a Savior, let us
follow him. Let us take what we have been given and use them the way they are
designed to be used.
We
are no exception. What were we meant to do? What is our purpose? The purpose of
life is recited in every lesson and sacrament-meeting talk so lets actually
fulfill the purpose. Lets do what we are supposed to do and not mix in anything
more or less. “Lift where you stand” as president Uctdorf would say. “Way to
be” as president Hinckley wrote. “Find the joy in the journey” as President
Monson has asked. The Saviors purity was not primarily manifest through his
sinless life. It was demonstrated as he perfectly executed his duty that had
been assigned to him. He was assigned to be perfect but only within the wider
theme of completion was his purity completely demonstrated.
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
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