Our meditations each week are from Philippians 4:8. Now, let’s think about whatever things are pure. Pure? These are things without contamination. They have not been polluted. They are not corrupted in any way. They have not been spoiled, tarnished or stained. They are pure. Think about things that are pure. Before I suggest some things, what images of pure things come to your mind? Quickly write down some things before I influence your thoughts. I only want to add to your meditation on “pure things;” not limit them.
One quick note. Every English translation and version of the Bible renders the word “pure” in our text except for The Message which rewords it “authentic.” (how appropriately that version’s name begins with the letters “mess”).
Now. Your list of things pure may include the heart of a child, a virgin, your drinking water, or Pure oil company. You may have heard the phrase “Pura Vida” which means “pure life” in Spanish, a Costa Rican philosophy that encourages the appreciation of life’s simple treasures. Maybe you thought how you miss those days of your own childhood when thoughts and motives were pure.
A word search in scripture will turn up several pure things: God’s wisdom (James 3:17), pure religion (James 1:27), and the pure gold streets in the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:21). There are two pure things which are especially enjoyable to fix our minds on. I don’t mean to discount any other pure things. But allow me to draw our attention to these two.
God’s Word. “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6). “Your word is very pure, therefore your servant loves it” (Psalm 119:140). The Word of God is precious to every believer. We know the truth of it. We know the power of it, “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Peter 1:23). God’s word is pure. His instructions are pure. His commands are pure. His promises are pure. Think about it.
Our inheritance. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4). Did you catch the word “pure” in those verses? Our inheritance, our eternal place in heaven is “incorruptible and un-defiled.” Imagine it! In all it’s wonder, beauty, and glory there is nothing, nor will there ever be anything that will dilute, tarnish, or spoil what our Savior has prepared for us. Not even us. And, it is reserved for all who believe in Jesus. Think about it.