Purity

Impure water is a major health hazard for many developing countries. Providing pure water supplies is a priority for most relief organizations. Personally, as I travel around the world, I take precautions and sometimes go to great pains to insure that what I eat and drink are clear of impurities -- bacteria, viruses and toxins. How water is treated and also how it is not treated can impact its purity.

When I have doubts I drink bottled water if available. A friend told me of a recent trip to Mexico where he saw employees of a restaurant refilling bottled water containers with tap water. This falls in the category of "what not to do".

When thinking of moral or spiritual purity some "to do’s" and some "not to do’s" come to mind immediately. I like to think of them as the 3 "R’s":

• Refuse -- I need to have my mind made up how to respond before temptation presents itself. Refusal is easier when it is planned.
• Remember -- I need to remember the consequences of my behavior to me and to those I love.
• Run -- "If I think too long, I will get it wrong" is a phrase that reminds me that when presented with the opportunity to do wrong in God’s sight, running is a worthy response.

The story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife in Genesis 39 -- Potiphar’s wife tries to seduce Joseph -- is a model of maintaining purity by refusing, remembering and running. However, maintaining purity can come with a price. For Joseph, the price was prison.

How much is purity worth to you and me? What is the price we are willing to pay?

Sharing the journey with you,