Committed to Purity

“It is actually reported that there is immorality among you . . . You have become arrogant and have not mourned instead . . . Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened.” 1 Corinthians 5:1-7 NASB

It was clear to Paul: Many Believers in Corinth had strayed from the purity of the Gospel. In particular, he was amazed that some actually boasted about their immoral conduct. Perhaps they thought there was no harm in allowing some sin in their lives. Perhaps they boasted because they felt they were more “open-minded” or “tolerant,” which they thought would make them more acceptable to unbelievers.

But Paul compared this indiscretion with leaven. It just takes a small amount to change the nature of the loaf. To be free, all leaven must be purged. That is how sin infects our lives. Even the most minor sin can corrupt us. Even the smallest habit. The tiniest thought.

The Bible says we must “get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you” (James 1:21). The old leaven eventually will change us. It weakens our faith and resolve. It lowers our standards. It confuses our minds. Like a disease, it infects our minds and hearts.

Today, allow God to search you and root out all sin. Are you boasting because you feel open-minded and tolerant of sin in your life? Or have you committed your whole life to serving Him? Make His Word your standard. It can cleanse you from the leaven of the world. And, it will give you the right words to think, the correct motivation, and the context for making right decisions.

Prayer: Father, search my heart and mind. Show me if I am tolerating sin in my life. Root out any habits or thoughts that are not pleasing to You. I want to be pure in Your sight. In Jesus’ name. Amen.