Real Life Q&A with Camy Tang

May 2004

Q: What is purity? How can I keep myself pure when it's so hard to know what's right?

A: You can understand what purity is by picturing God right beside you on a date. Or in the dressing room when you're trying on a slinky outfit. Or watching as you interact with your friends and acquaintances.

God is holy. He doesn't stand for anything half-way. He wants you to have a clear conscience whatever you do or wear, whatever public image you portray.

That being said, purity isn't exactly second nature to us. "Ooh, that guy just makes my toes curl." "Showing a little cleavage is sexy." "A 'bad girl' image is hip."

In the Garden of Eden, Satan used three things to tempt Eve away from holiness:

1--Eve's lack of knowledge about God. Satan distorted the truth. He told her a half-truth and a blatant lie, with a little real truth thrown in to confuse her.

He plays mind games. He distorts things that are real into things that might seem real but aren't. He uses words.

So you need to know words too--the Word of God. Know your Bible, what God says is the Truth. Then you'll immediately know when Satan (or someone) tells you a lie.

"There's no harm in sex. It doesn't hurt you emotionally or mentally or anything."

Bzzzzt. In Matthew 19:3-6, Jesus says that God Himself joins a man and woman together. That means you take marriage seriously, and that there is a spiritual aspect of sex that we may not fully understand. If there is something supernatural about man and wife becoming "one," you don't want to mess that up with pre-marital sex.

2--Eve's doubt that God had her best interests at heart. Satan implied God lied to her about the forbidden fruit because God didn't want her to be wise. When she believed him, she stopped trusting God to know what was best.

Many times, God allows things that don't make sense. But He asks us to trust Him; He knows what's going on. He's looking out for us.

Trust isn't easy, but trust is a choice. You can either not trust God and act on your own, or choose to trust Him and keep walking in His ways. You don't have to feel some ultra-zen peace, or even particularily happy, but you choose to act on faith. And God will always come through for you.

"But I like showing some skin. It's not scandalous or anything. I'll feel stupid not dressed well."

It may not make sense, but if you obey, one day you'll understand. Do you really believe God knows what's best for you?

3--Eve's discontent. Satan dangled wisdom in front of Eve, and she started feeling unhappy about the status quo. She wanted to know and understand more than she did. She wanted that fruit because it looked tasty and she was getting tired of bananas and kiwis.

You are tempted when you get dissatisfied with what you have. But being content with your life isn't something you feel, it's something you learn to do.

You need to teach yourself to see the positive side of things. You need to remember to be thankful for what you do have. You need to shift your focus to see the little blessings God gives you every day.

Remember the Israelites in the desert? God sheltered them from the heat, warmed them from the freezing temperatures, and fed them, and they still complained. Despite the miracles and the supernatural way God provided for them every day, they grumbled about what they didn't have.

Are you oblivious to God's interaction in your life? That might be why you're discontent. Try opening your eyes during the day, and asking Him to show you His presence. You might be surprised.

Be warned: Attitude adjustment doesn't happen overnight. Learning contentment is hard work. But be faithful to God, and He'll be faithful to you.

Did Eve stay pure? No. Neither will you. But dust yourself off and keep at it. Your body is God's temple, so if you let Him, He'll help you keep it clean.

Are you struggling with purity? E-mail RubyZine--we want to pray for you!