The pursuit of purity is one of the greatest privileges we have as Christians, yet for many people purity feels more like a sacrifice than an honor. We can fall for a popular myth that a worldly woman is strong and secure while a woman who pursues purity is naïve and vulnerable. Movies, magazines and television promote this message every day. Upon closer examination, however, we can see that this myth is not true. In fact, a worldly woman is more hardened than she is strong. The Bible describes a hardening process that goes on in our hearts when we sin (Hebrews 3:7-13). And the more we sin, the harder our heart becomes. The result is rivalry, jealousy, self-hatred and indifference, not strength or security.
There are plenty of examples that show us that worldliness will not make us strong. In Hollywood, for example, well-known eighteen year-old stars have embraced more and more worldly and impure behaviors to promote their careers to adult audiences. They may be beautiful, talented and successful in their careers, but their lives are anything but a picture of strength.
It may not be as obvious, but we can look at the relationships of the worldly women around us and see their need for more strength. It is also true for us. Worldliness will not make us stronger women; it will actually erode the quality of our lives.
What comes to your mind when you hear the word purity? Do you equate it with strength and privilege? Pursuing Purity and Spiritual Beauty by Virginia Lefler gives valuable insights into the power and privilege of purity and spiritual beauty. Discover how every woman, no matter what her age or background, can become a stronger woman by pursuing purity and spiritual beauty.