Purity is honoring God with your thoughts, your words, and your actions, especially when it comes to sex and your body. Pure means clean. When you think right and talk right, it’s much easier to act right. And when you see something you shouldn’t, you can always tell a parent.
Parents: This article is written for kids to read with you. For help leading the conversation, see the Parenting in a Sexualized Culture series.
Purity Starts in Your Mind
What you think about matters. Your thoughts are like seeds that grow into what you say and do. That’s why God tells us to fill our minds with good things.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8). A pure heart is one that loves God and wants to please him.
Be Careful What You Watch
Sometimes you might see pictures or videos on a phone, tablet, TV, or computer that show people without clothes or doing things that are meant only for married people. That’s called pornography. It’s not good for you, because it fills your mind with the wrong kind of thoughts and gives you the wrong idea about God’s gift of sex.
King David made a promise: “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile” (Psalm 101:3). If you ever see something like that, here’s what to do:
- Look away or close it right away.
- Tell your parents or another trusted adult. You won’t be in trouble for telling the truth.
- Think about something good instead.
Purity in Your Words and Actions
Purity is also about how you talk. God says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up” (Ephesians 4:29). That means no dirty jokes and no making fun of people’s bodies.
And purity is about how you act. Treat boys and girls with respect, keep your body private, and respect other people’s privacy too. How can you do all this? The Bible gives the answer.
Psalm 119:9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.
The Takeaway
Purity means honoring God with your thoughts, words, and actions. Fill your mind with good things, look away from bad things, talk respectfully, and always tell your parents when you see something that isn’t right.
