The Power of Purity

Purity is a prerequisite for usefulness and effectiveness. A thing cannot be useful or become less effective if its nature was compromised or weakened. A gasoline, for example, cannot be used for the purpose for which it was intended if it was mixed with water or other chemicals. The same is true with a liquid detergent. Its effectiveness deteriorates if it was diluted with water. Applying the same principle in natural life, particularly in a work setting, a person who is impure cannot be fully used for which he or she is employed because his or her intentions may have been marred by other things that divert his or her attention. He or she may also become less effective for work as his or her focus and energy are now divided and infused into other concerns. Such impurity in whatever aspect makes himself or herself disqualified from remaining in employment as the future of the enterprise, institution, or agency is endangered with his or her presence.

As we just celebrated this Lenten season in remembrance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ at the cross, all the more that we should be inspired to pursue purity in our mind and heart in order that His sacrifice will not be in vain. Based on Christian perspective, the works of Jesus Christ on the cross such as the shedding of His blood has cleansed us from all unrighteousness. It paved the way for us to be pure inside out. It gave us the capacity to turn away from evil and all forms of temptation. For this reason, we should not remain in our sins. Wrongful desires and corrupt motives should not have any part of our soul.

The benefits of purity are plain and simple. It is our best defense and makes us untouchable. It serves as our protection from false accusations. It also gives us a leverage for promotion as it cultivates the character trait of trustworthiness and reliability. It nurtures confidence from the management or from a superior in a workplace. Our blameless standpoint will make us cut above the rest as it is free from heavy loads and burdens that often derail us from forward and upward thrust. Finally, it produces physical wellness. Medical science is persuaded that bitterness, hatred, anger, and other types of negative emotion contaminates the soul and creates negative body reaction. According to some experts, negative emotion releases stress hormone that eventually weaken our immune system that makes our body more prone to illness.

On the other hand, purity in thoughts is also important to deal with as it is vital for success. The product of imagination affects our decision.  What we think and believe in is what we pursue. As Winston Churchill said, the positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible. Nothing beats a pure mind if we are to climb the ladder of victory, otherwise, we surrender in the process. This makes us understand why Apostle Paul advised us in this manner: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things" (NAS, CRFV)