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10-guidelines-pure

Photo by Mary Holt

Ten Guidelines to Live a Pure Christian Life

By Rebekah L. Holt

Originally written for Teens by a Teen (years ago!)

 

1. Accept Jesus Christ.  To be able to fully withstand the sways, allurements, and sometimes, the enticing appearances of sin, we must have Christ in our hearts, God on our side and the Holy Spirit strengthening us.   It is impossible to withstand the temptations of the devil without the strength of Christ.  It is His grace that helps us through all our trials.  Rely on the Lord and He will direct your paths. (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9-11; Ephe. 2:1-10; 2 Tim. 2:10-13; Prov. 3:5-6)

2. Memorize Scripture.  Today the world makes sin very appealing and you sometimes wonder is it so bad. Know what God says about everything!  It's all in the Bible; don't be lazy, look up and study God's word.  (Ps. 119:9-16)

3. Pray Unceasingly. Ask God for strength daily to combat sin and temptations.  Jesus is ready to give help to all who call upon His name and ask for help.  (Ps. 3: 3-4, 8; Ps. 4:3b; Ps. 34:4; Romans 12:12; Ephe. 6:18;1Thess. 5:17; 1Thess. 3:10)

4. Position Yourself for Success.  If you know something tempts you, don't go near it.  Proverbs spoke of the foolish man walking past the harlot's house, thus leading to his ruin. You don't go into the heat of sin and return untainted. Christ enables and strengthens us to resist evil, but He warns us not to
toy with sin.  (Prov. 7:6-27; Gal. 5:13; Gal. 6:1,9)

5. Cultivate Righteousness and Love it.  To gain victory over sins in your life, it is crucial to success that you replace that sin with a fruit of the Spirit and service for God.  Jesus loved righteousness.  Should we not therefore desire and embrace it too?  Absolutely!   (Ps. 11:7; Ps. 33:5; Ps. 45:7)

6. Select Friends and Value Your Family.  Today friends have taken the place of where family should be.  Don't overly value the company of youthful companions.  They can have a negative influence in your life and cause great division in your spiritual and family life.  Christian parents are there for your guidance and protection.  Make yourself subject to them.  When we obey our Christian parents, we obey God. (Ps. 45:7; Ps. 119:63; Prov. 13:20; 1 Cor. 5:11; 1 Cor. 15: 33; Ephe. 6:1-3)

7. Be Chaste in Appearance, Tactful in Speech and Pure in Everyday Life.  Young men and women alike need to practice the art of being prudent in every aspect of body language. Dress and speak with Christ in mind, and carry yourself with the grace and dignity as heirs of glory of God.  If you blend in with the world, you're not living as God wants you to.  There must be a distinction, so we may "shine as stars."  God has called us be a
unique people, apart from the world that by the way we work, are entertained, dress and what we say, others may know we stand for Christ.  Yes, we are going to be thought weird, unfashionable, strict, and boring. It's hard at times, but God enables.

    Youth, get in line with God on your appearance.  Don't flaunt what God has given, but give Him glory by being beautiful in modesty and in spirit.  True beauty/handsomeness lies in the heart, not in your figure or strength.  Be not arrogant in your heart, but love God.  Ask yourself, how will my actions affect a brother/sister in Christ?  Would I want my younger siblings to act in this manner?  By our actions, we can either hinder others' walk in Christ or lift them up in encouragement. (Philip. 2:14-16; Col. 3:5-10; Col. 4:6; 1 Thess. 5:11)

8. Be Humble.  Humility keeps us where we need to be.  By having God's view of our being, we can stay unaffected by pride, discontentment, jealousy and many other sinful struggles lack of humility causes.  What are you comparing yourself to?  What is the standard you weigh yourself by?  Be sure it is Christ. Study the character of Christ; He's the perfect example of godly humility. (Ephe. 4:2; Philip. 2:3-11; James 4:6, 10; 1 Peter 5:6)

9. Be Constantly Renewed in Christ.  Christ is our refuge and strength and an ever present help in our greatest need. Throw yourself in His will and renew your mind in His purity. Christ Jesus has suffered and concurred all evil. Through Him is the path to live a pure life in a vile and perverted generation.  (Ps. 18: 2-3, 19b; Romans 6: 8-10; Romans 12:2)

10. Press Towards the Goal. As Christians, our ultimate goal is obtaining a likeness as Christ and the prize God has promised us. Be busy doing the Lord's work.  Keep focused; keep going!  Fight the good fight for righteousness and stand your ground!  (Isaiah 40:29-31; Philip. 3: 13-4:1; 2 Thess. 2:15)