Passage of the Day:
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”[a] 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart, 1 Peter 1:13-22.
Reflection:
Purify refers to removing contaminants from someone or something. From a spiritual perspective, purifying your soul involves the drastic steps called for by the apostle Paul in Colossians 3:5-9. When the sinful nature is allowed to control, dictate and rule your life, there is no place for the Holy Spirit to dwell. Romans 8:5-8 describes this battle for your mind and soul as the human flesh and Holy Spirit are in direct conflict to one another. The key to winning this spiritual battle is to remember the obligation Christians have to God’s Spirit.
Prayerful Action:
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of[e] his Spirit who lives in you. 12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, Romans 8:11-13.
Refreshing Your Soul:
One of Jesus’ disciples puts purifying your soul into much clearer terms, 1 John 1:5-7. The key to purifying your soul is to habitually walk with God. However, when you do stumble and fall, be honest by confessing your shortcomings, James 5:16. Anyone who deviates from John’s instructions is simply living in darkness and not walking in the light.
Song of the Day:
Purifying your soul is similar to the sanctification process, taking a lifetime to complete. There will be ebbs and flows in this life from obedience to disobedience. Confess when you fall short of God’s glory and strive to habitually walk with God. Purifying your soul is a journey of faith, living one day at a time.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 