Pure

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your Word.” (Psalm 119:9)

The Psalmist asks a question that has been asked on young men in every age. He then answers it by saying that we must live according to the Word of God.

The preacher in Ecclesiastes 11:9 says that we must live in light of the judgment of God. Young men often feel that they are invincible. They feel that they can do no wrong and if they do then God will forgive them. The preacher reminds us that we are to always live our lives with eternity in view.

Paul told his young son in the faith, Timothy, that he was to feel youthful lusts. Young men are prone to the temptations of the flesh. We are to guard our hearts. We are to keep our ways pure.

How do we do that? The Psalmist tells us that we must live according to the principles of His Word. Young men need to have role models that they can follow. Good role models are dads, pastors, teachers or older friends. They also need to have other young men that can hold them accountable. Young men should be encouraged to join an accountability group. Young men also need to be students of the Word. They should privately spend time in the Word but they also need to spend time with others in the Word of God. This is more than going to church and hearing good Bible teaching. They should join a small study group.

The world will tell young men that it is not macho to keep oneself pure but the Word of God reminds us that without holiness we will not see the Lord.