Get me off this rollercoaster right now!

Purity isn’t boring.

It’s like a roller coaster ride with wild turns, drops …. missing tracks, trap doors, loop-the-loops, legions of demons, daggers to the heart, more suffering, and a heavy dose of dying to yourself.

It’s SO MUCH FUN! I can certainly see why younger generations jump at the idea of pursuing a life of purity when the journey is so easy and pain-free (sarcasm).

All jokes aside, though the pursuit of purity is filled with all types of hardship, it ultimately leads to an abundant life (not just when we die and go to heaven but right here and NOW!). The sin ride, though it may seem more pleasurable, leads to a certain and eternal death.

To be fair, the path of purity is only filled with suffering because we tend to fall back into sin, causing us unnecessary grief and heartache. The battle to choose righteousness or debauchery isn't a cakewalk either. I am so grateful that the Apostle Paul was transparent with his own struggles.

 “I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.”- Romans 7:21-25 (NLT)

Do you see it? Jesus Christ our Lord - He is the only one who can set us free from the sin nature at work in our lives. This is why I consider purity to be a person, someone I need to always remain connected to in order to fulfill my highest purpose (John 15).

Jesus said, “..Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.”- John 16:33 (NLT)

He did it! He beat the roller coaster of death, sin and the grave. We need to celebrate that EVERY DAY and remain dialed into that truth. He has liberated us from sin.

Read that again for yourself: He has liberated ME from sin.

“So, you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.” – Romans 6:11

I found myself on the purity roller coaster recently because my “flesh was fleshing,” and I tried to manage it all on my own. Instead, I took my own advice: I drew closer to Jesus, postured myself before him with humility and honesty, and then got off the roller coaster completely because I reminded myself that He already conquered it. It's finished.

I don't have to settle for this ride anymore. I don't have to entertain this sin nature and deal with the roller coaster of emotions. Neither do you. We have the power through Christ to say, "No, I ain't getting on that ride today! Get behind me, Satan."

We must consider (reckon, in some translations) ourselves dead to sin. Get off that roller coaster the moment you realize you got on. Pull the emergency brakes and jump off!

Remember what Jesus did for you and consider it done. Yes, we will make mistakes and even fall sometimes but we need to get back up, repent, and reckon ourselves dead to sin.

We might have to do that a hundred times a day at first, but trust God - it gets easier, and you will start to see the rewards.

Here are 3 biblical truths with practical applications that should excite us to reckon ourselves dead to sin as we pursue a life of purity and purpose in Jesus Christ.

1.      Purity brings us closer to God.

Psalm 24:3-4 (NIV): "Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god."

A closer relationship with God often leads to a deeper sense of purpose and direction in life. This spiritual clarity can guide us in making wise decisions, leading to more fulfilling and meaningful experiences.

2.      Purity gives us a clear vision and insight.

Matthew 5:8 (NIV): "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

Nothing our eyes could ever see would surpass seeing God face to face. Enhanced spiritual vision helps us discern right from wrong more clearly, leading to better choices in our personal and professional lives. It can also prevent us from making decisions that could lead to negative consequences.

3.      Purity brings greater protection and guidance.

Proverbs 2:7-8 (NIV): "He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones."

Divine protection and guidance can manifest as a sense of security and confidence in life’s journey. This can result in fewer regrets and more trust in the process, even during challenging times. God protected Israel from huge armies several times when they trusted Him and obeyed.



When the roller coaster starts coasting, use these verses to motivate you to stay on the path of purity because HE is worth it and the rewards are truly DIVINE!

Don’t miss the conclusion to this series next Wednesday with 5 more examples for you to share.