4 minute read
“To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.” (Titus 1:15 NIV)
Jesus makes you pure.
People act like following Jesus is a one time event. Believing in Jesus is a journey of discovery and truth. As we apply His teachings to our lives, He unveils to us the reality that already exists.
Before digital photography, pictures were taken with cameras which captured the image on film. Photographers used a dark room to develop the strips of pictures. Slowly, the process of developing the film reveals to the eye what already existed, but not seen. Jesus purifies us as we follow Him daily. Each day He reveals to us something that exists, but we couldn’t see.
One friend described Jesus’s unveiling of truth this way. She was reminded of standing in front of an open food pantry, looking for a jar of peanutbutter. No matter how hard you look, you don’t see the familiar red cap. In desperation, you ask your spouse, who informs you where the creamy spread is. All of a sudden, you see what was right in front of your eyes the whole time. Jesus reveals what is right in front of us.
Purity comes through submission.
In order to see the truth, we have to submit to Jesus. Each morning, the journey begins again as we acknowledge our Creator. Repentance isn’t a one time thing, but an ongoing lifestyle.
“But the repentance God desires of us is not just contrition over particular sins; it is also a daily attitude, a perspective. Repentance is the process by which we see ourselves, day by day, as we really are: sinful, needy, dependent people. It is the process by which we see God as He is: awesome, majestic, and holy.” Chuck Colson, “Against the Night”
Corrupt minds don’t understand repentance because they don’t believe in Jesus. As a result, they aren’t pure. Purity is freedom from adulteration or contamination. Living with a perspective of repentance means a daily cleansing as we submit ourselves to Jesus. He then reveals to us areas of truth we can’t see. Our corrupt minds, cleansed. Without Jesus, cleansing doesn’t occur, corruption exists.
“Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about, See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong—then guide me on the road to eternal life.” (Psalm 139:23-24 MSG)
The pursuit of Jesus purifies us as He investigates our lives and reveals our sin to us. With love like no other, He cleanses us. Restoration comes as we submit our lives to Him. Life eternal is our reward.
Question of the Day:
Have you allowed Jesus to investigate your life lately?
Further Reading: Jeremiah 49:23-50:46 NIV, Titus 1:1-16 NIV, Psalm 97-98 NIV, Proverbs 26:13-16 NIV
