The "P" Word

That "P" word keeps coming up in my reading and causing a lot of thinking. Serious thinking. I'm lacking in some areas. This world is missing it altogether when it comes to the "P" word. What does it look like to have that word in my life because I want more of it.


The "P" words meaning is - unmixed; free from taint; free from what pollutes or weakens or vitiates; clean and not harmful in any way; and I like this.....being in tune. All these descriptions come from the word PURE. Jesus said that only those who were pure in heart would be able to see God. That stimulates my thinking! Pure in my thoughts, actions, motives, words, (mmm that mouth), in all of life. Being in tune with my Maker. 


There's an amazing, thought provoking story in John 7,  where Jesus had been at the Feast of Tabernacles - the great feast in the Jewish year that celebrated the completion of harvest and connecting God's goodness to the people during their desert wanderings. During these days at the festival, Jesus taught at the temple courts. At some point the people began asking, "Have the authorities really concluded that he (Jesus) is the Christ?" Are you serious? The created human authorities needed to decide whether their Creator is the Christ? How insane is that, and yet, we decide that every day with our lives. Jesus is Lord over our life, or He is not. If He is not, who is? I have to admit that sometimes, the lord of my life is me. But I have discovered that I can't in myself have a pure heart. I've tried. It isn't possible. We are either hot or cold; we cannot straddle the fence as the saying goes. I have a preacher friend who makes it clear: "You are or you're not. Period."  Jesus IS Lord regardless of my insufficient ways. I Thank Him that His grace is sufficient to cover my lack and it is His strength that keeps me in the pure way. 


"On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice." Why in a loud voice? Was He yelling it out? Was He so intent for people to hear that He speaks out to where all can here? Yes, I think so and He's still speaking loud and clear but are we listening? This is what He said, "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'" Was there a possibility that some might not be thirsty? Sadly, yes. Some are content in themselves, with themselves. What good is there in that? What a selfish way to live. Jesus offers us the living water but only to those who are thirsty for it. Hmmm. How thirsty are we? Do we hunger and thirst for Jesus?


When my son was alive and I saw that he needed to make a decision on something, I spoke with intent so he would hear and not miss the message I was sending. I did that out of my love and concern for him. It was for his protection and his best interest. Jesus wants us to choose His way knowing that is the only way to have an abundant life. His love for us is beyond what we can imagine.


The living water that He was and still is offering is pure, untainted, clean in every way, not mixed with anything else. Pure. He is offering Himself.


You know, time is not waiting for any of us. Our time is running out and it's going by fast. We need to decide. The world watches us Christians. Are we genuine?  Our pastor said Sunday to get a blank piece of paper and sign your name at the bottom, then ask God to fill in the page. Scary? Yes, but it is the only way to real life. The only way to live and think and be... true and noble, right and pure, lovely and admirable, excellent and praiseworthy - think about and do such things. (Philippians 4)


Usually the final words of a speech or a sermon are words that leave you with something to think about and ponder over. Such were Jesus' final words at the close of the festival. Did you  notice they were said with exclamation marks? He meant it. He wanted to get their attention. He still does want to get our attention.


I want that "P" word in my life.