4 June | Youth

The Word Purifies

«How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.» Psalm 119:9

What God wants most is a living generation in His church. Paul made the following analogy: “Just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish” (Eph 5:25-27).

Paul is saying that we need to be washed by “the Word.” When it comes into the heart, spiritual truths act like detergent. It spreads around us, cleans the dirt and leaves a fresh scent. This supernatural work has the power to renew the mind, producing transformation in our lives. Dirty thoughts no longer control our lives, due to the renewal of the Spirit. If you want this experience, follow these steps:

• Be silent. Before you start reading the Bible, ask God to help you eliminate anything that takes your concentration away. You cannot have inner distractions. Write down on a piece of paper what is going on in your mind. Tell yourself you will think about it again in a few minutes. Give full attention to the Word of God.
• Read the Bible with a willing heart. Only God can enlighten your heart with His truth. Ask Him to speak to your heart about the passage you just heard, read, memorized, or studied. Try to read the Bible and be willing to give up everything. Decide that you will be obedient to the Scriptures. For me, reading the Bible without wanting to practice it is worse than not reading it.
• Customize the text. As you meditate on the passage, use the pronouns “I,” “me,” “my,” “myself.” Put your name on the text. Imagine God talking to you personally about it.

Remember that the Word of God exists to change your life. The question that should always be behind reading the Bible is: “God, what do you want to say to me at this moment?” The purpose of reading the Bible is not to reach the end of the book, but to understand God's will for your life. God's Word not only changes lives, but also keeps them pure. If you want to become more like Christ, renew your mind with the Word. Meditate on the Holy Scriptures. We assimilate what we repeat.