Unconquered Territory (7)

Cast cords of love around my heart, then hold me and never let me go.

May the Saviour’s wounds sway me more than the sceptre of princes.

Let me love thee in a love that covers and swallows up all,

That I may not violate my chaste union with the beloved;

There is much unconquered territory in my nature,

Scourge out the buyers and sellers of my soul’s temple,

And give me in return, pure desires,

And longing after perfect holiness.  

The Valley of Vision, edited by Arthur Bennett, Banner of Truth, page 345.

And give me in return, pure desires,

We don’t hear much about purity, unless it is in our drinking water or food chain, and even then my suspicion is that many of the powers that be, governmental and corporate, would rather we not ask questions...otherwise we’d have transparent labeling.  

Purity in conversation and entertainment is a thing of the past, it is as if there is something wrong with wanting to communicate without innuendo and profanity, or wrong to want to listen to music or watch entertainment that you could have your grandchild enjoy with you. Why, we don’t even expect our leaders to abstain from impurity, whether in language or action - and when we justify them we justify ourselves. Sadly even within the professing church we acquiesce to, and even promote, ways of thinking, speaking, and acting that pollute our minds and hearts.

This is not legalism, this is holiness - this is making a distinction between the holy and the unholy. If we would not drink water with high levels of lead, why would we drink entertainment with high levels of sin...or for that matter...any level? To be an adult in “society” does not mean one is an adult in the Kingdom.

Our society is based on covetousness, on wanting more and more and more, therefore it is critical that we consume, that we desire more. Yet, the Christ-follower is called to desire more of Christ and to desire good and blessing for others. The disciple of Jesus is called to desire His Word and His image, and to desire that others know Him. Thus it is a diabolical profanity when the professing church promotes a self-centered and egotistical message, a message which says, “It is all about me”, rather than the Gospel of Christ with its call to self-denial and sacrificial love and service to God and others.

Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” What desires are growing in my heart today? Are there poisonous plants that need to be pulled and burned?

Paul writes, “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 word translated “dwell” means to think upon, consider, ponder - stop and spend time and live thinking about these things.

Since we don’t stop and spend time on much of anything Paul’s admonition is a challenge. We love to quote the preceding verses in this passage (Philippians Chapter 4) having to do with the peace of God, but when we cut the passage off and do not continue to how we should use our minds we undercut the peace of God - God’s peace protects minds which are centered on Him, we cannot ask for God’s peace one minute and engage in impurity the next and expect to live in God’s peace.

Isaiah writes (26:3),  “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.”

For God to give us pure desires, and for us to desire purity - in this world of madness this is not a bad thing. Consumption will never give us peace, desiring profane and toxic pleasure and experiences will never give us peace, wanting to “fit in” will never give us peace...only the Prince of Peace can give us lasting peace.

O Father, give us pure hearts that we may see You and that others may see You in us.