In a world where impurity is not just tolerated but celebrated, we are called to be different. We are called to be a people marked by purity, both individually and collectively. Let us strive to live out this calling with intentionality and commitment, supporting one another in our pursuit of holiness. As we do, we will not only honor God but also become a powerful witness to the world around us, demonstrating the beauty and freedom of a life lived in obedience to His commands.
Purity in an Impure World
When Scripture commands, “You shall not commit adultery,” it’s speaking to far more than just the physical act of genitals colliding. This commandment opens the door to an entire world of innocence and purity, calling all of God’s people to a life that is perfectly spotless in every aspect. In a culture where moral boundaries are increasingly blurred, it is crucial to understand that adultery, as defined by Scripture, goes far beyond mere physical infidelity.
The Deception of Minimizing Sin
Consider the infamous attempt to downplay the seriousness of adultery, like when William Jefferson Clinton famously declared, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman.” Such efforts to obfuscate, redefine, or minimize sin stand in stark contrast to the unyielding clarity of God’s Word, which leaves no room for such ambiguity or philandering.
Adultery, according to God’s standard, includes every unchaste thought, action, and inclination that mars the purity He demands from us. The Westminster Larger Catechism wisely instructs us to maintain “chastity in body, mind, affections, words, and behavior and to preserve this purity in both ourselves and others.”
A Call to Holy Living
This command is more than a prohibition; it’s a divine mandate for you and me to cultivate a life of holiness. It challenges us not just to avoid sin but to actively guard, nurture, and promote purity in every aspect of our lives and those around us. In a world that often celebrates moral compromise, God calls His people to rise above, to shine as beacons of righteousness, and to uphold the sanctity of chastity with unwavering commitment.
Vigilance in Every Area of Life
This holistic approach to chastity demands vigilance in every area of our lives. Our first line of defense begins with ourselves—guarding our thoughts, safeguarding our desires, and taking deliberate action against anything that might lead us toward impurity. It means avoiding situations that tempt us, censoring the media we consume, and refusing to laugh at or entertain sin. As John Piper famously observed, we often laugh at the things God hates. Even shows that seem mild by today’s standards—like Friends—promote a laissez-faire attitude toward sex, which is contrary to God’s law. How much more vigilant should we be today when the media we consume is far more explicit?