July 15

The Purity of God’s  Goodness

 
We live in a world that is so corrupt and fallen that we know very little of purity of any kind. I can think of only one example of purity that I have ever encountered in my life, and that is the purity of the Godhead, a part of Whom lives within me. All else is utterly corrupt and hopelessly flawed. You may look as much as you please, but you shall never find any example of absolute purity on Earth. James described this concept: "Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with Whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." (James 1:16-17) James was describing a purity originating from the Kingdom of God – a dimension apart from, and external to, our own. Hence, when we receive God's goodness, we can be sure that it is totally unadulterated or contaminated by external motivations, by greed, by enticements, or by hidden agendas, while there are very few human offerings of any kind that are not somewhat or totally contaminated by these ubiquitous evils.

Yet, while we are creatures with sin embedded in our very genes, we are still fully capable of rising above that depravity to seek a purity found only in Christ. Said the Apostle John, "And everyone who has this hope fixed on (Jesus) purifies himself, just as He is pure." (1 John 3:3) The source of any and all purity is from the Holy Spirit Who lives within us. And the Spirit receives His Word of purity for us directly from our Lord Master. (John 16:13) This is described in greater detail by James: "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy." (James 3:16-17)

God's goodness is given to us in daily amounts that He deems are perfect for each of us to carry out His plan in our lives. On this eventide, therefore, let us first ask our Righteous Father to show us the difference between corrupted purity and His perfect and flawless purity. And then let us ask Him to give us that purity of love and devotion to others, for He is able. With God, all things are totally possible, including the effective use of such wretched people as ourselves. And whether we are wretches or total losers, it matters not. For God chose us and loves us just as we are. Now all we have to do is receive and recognize His purity. "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9)