The Purity Principle



Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you."
(Joshua 3:5)

In Christian circles, it became popular to talk about the "Chronos" and the "Kairos" time.  The first being the Greek word that describes linear time while the latter Greek word was used in the New Testament to describe a season or event that was to occur.  Too often, this "Kairos" concept was used by Christian Charlatans and prosperity teachers to tell you that your Kairos (your time or season) of prosperity was upon you and you simply needed to give them money to unleash the bountiful blessings of God.   

However, I truly believe that God does have seasons of exceptional revelation for his people.  The great awakenings in American history were Kairos moments when God revealed himself to his people in ways that not only changed them individually, but changed entire societies.  Interestingly, Charles Finney, the 19th century evangelist described revival as "when the people of God turn back to God" so that the world sees God.  The Kairos moments of God are often preceded by times of purification and consecration.

I have sensed for several months that the faith community that I am part is entering a special season of revelation. (www.newhopefree.org)   However, I feel that God is saying to us that we must consecrate or purify ourselves first.

Purity in the Christian context often has a sexual connotation, however the word literally means to "become one thing".  Purifying means to rid oneself of everything that is not consistent with being a fully devoted follower of Jesus.  It is not focused on what activities to avoid as much as being completed devoted to God in everything we think, do, and embody.  We say something is pure gold when it is all gold and without contaminants.

We are told that we purify ourselves (make ourselves completely one thing) in order to perfect holiness (I Corinthians 7:`).  Holiness is the concept of being totally set apart to God, and away from sin.  The concepts of purity and holiness are closely linked in scripture.

So what does it mean to purify ourselves in anticipation of a greater work of God:

1. Purify your Mind:  Scripture tells us that our minds have to be renewed daily because our native mindset is antagonistic and hostile towards God (Rom 8:7, 12:1-2, )  Purifying our minds means to focus on the things of God (Phil 4:8) through the spirit of God (II Cor 10:4-5).  This is not an event but a process and a discipline that comes from regular, consistent intake and meditation of scripture. (II Tim 3:16-17).

2. Purify your Relationships:  We are to throw off everything that hinders us from spiritual growth.  This does not mean that Christians should not have relationships with non-Christians as we are to be the salt and the light of the world.  I am talking about those relationships that we have prioritized above our relationship with God.  The relationships that prevent us from clearly doing what God is calling you and guiding you towards.  It is, as the medieval Christians describe, an ordering of your affections.  We often can not hear God when we place His voice in the context of a chorus.

3.  Purify your Time/Talents/Treasures: Jesus said that our use of our resources is an indicator of our heart (Lk 12:34).  What you spend time on, invest your talents in, and spend your money one reveals what you think are most important, regardless of what you say.  Purity uses your resources in a way that honors God above all of the competing agendas.

I pray that you would experience a deeper revelation of God and experience God's Kairos moments in y our life.  Just as Joshua told his people, lets us consecrate ourselves for God wants to do amazing things among us.

May God bless you,

Pastor M Traylor

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