To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed. (Titus 1:15-16 NASB)

Those who want to live a righteous life will surrender every aspect of their being to Christ. In other words, they won’t hold anything back from Him, but will ask Him to take complete control of their thoughts. Thus, Christ’s righteousness will cleanse them from all unrighteousness.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 Jn. 1:9 NASB)

You can’t follow Jesus without taking your faith seriously. Following Jesus means you won’t compromise the truth for anything, but will be committed to upholding the highest standards of life. You will seek to honor God in all that you do. Thus, you will have nothing to be ashamed of, because Christ’s blood will purify your life.

Not only does Jesus make it possible for us to be reconciled to God; He offers us strength to live a virtuous life. But we must be willing to abide in Him in order to experience this transformation. Those who are empowered by Christ in this way will walk in holiness, bearing good fruit wherever they go.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. (Jn. 15:4-5 NASB)

This is a matter which calls for honesty. Our priorities must agree with God’s desires for us. If we aren’t willing take what He gives, and give what He takes, then we aren’t seeking to live a pure life, but are merely wearing a mask of deception. It’s time to remove the mask and get real with God!

~ Chris S. Esty