Since so much focus in the media lately is about abstinence, why do we call these rings "purity rings" and not "abstinence rings"?

Well the answer is quite clear.  Abstinence without purity is a challenge to achieve, since purity in itself promotes abstinence in a healthy and purposeful way.  Abstinence - abstaining from sex as the media calls it - in itself is challenging, especially in today's society.  The media tells us abstinence is hard to achieve and that we are weak minded people and that well we are going to fail - so let's get on board with something that they can explain to us like safe sex (even though they still haven't given us a good explanation on how sex before marriage is "safe" physically, emotionally and morally).  Thankfully though, there is an answer to how abstinence can be achieved and it is through an understanding of purity and its application in our lives.  Abstinence works for millions of people and it can work for you, but through purity you will find it to be purposeful and meaningful.

So what exactly is purity?  Purity is having a pure mind, a pure heart, and a pure spirit.  Becoming pure starts by having a mental garage sale.  It's clearing out all of the junk (sin) in your life.  In the long run sin weighs us down, it is burdensome and binding.   By clearing sin out of our lives, it's like lifting the weight of the world off of our shoulders.  In the short run, it often feels like doing the wrong thing is easier and more satisfying, but in the longer run - doing the right thing is ALWAYS easier and more satisfying.   After that instant gratification, sin will weigh us down with serious consequences, anxiety, fear, worry, etc.  Sin leads to more sin and more consequences - it's a vicious cycle that we all need to break.  By striving for purity and being pure, we leave all of those negative consequences behind.  We have a bigger picture outlook on life, we avoid temptation, we positively impact those around us, and we get through life's challenges with peace and confidence.

There is a serious misconception in our society today that purity equals weakness.  That is not true at all.  Purity builds strength and character.  Purity gives life purpose and joy.  Purity grabs hold of our reckless emotions and helps us to focus and see life more clearly.  Purity does not give into momentary weakness, but it looks to long term positive impact. Purity attracts like minded friends.  Purity gives respect and initiates respect back.  In today's crazy world not being pure opens us up to all kinds of temptation and sin.  By being pure in our thoughts and actions we avoid so much negative influence, and we have the strength to keenly discern right from wrong. 

In purity, we realize that life is not a blame game.  Everyday we have the strength to make the choices and decisions to be pure in all areas of our own lives.  God ultimately gives us that strength but it is always our decision to use it.  An often used cliché from a few years back is an awesome barometer of purity.  You know the one - "What Would Jesus Do".  Throughout the day as we search every situation in our lives - that is the ultimate question to ask.  It's also an easy question to answer - Jesus would always do the right thing.  The test is whether or not we follow that answer.  The road to purity is a journey of steps.  Once we have that mental spring cleaning and get rid of all the garbage in our lives, our worlds will change dramatically.  We will see life and it's situations with a pure mind, a pure heart and pure spirit.  We will strive for the best and trust God.  We will make great decisions that will positively impact our lives, those around us and even future generations.  Walking in purity, life will still have storms - but we will have the strength and peace to get through them.

So do you now see that a life of purity makes abstinence that much easier to accomplish?   If your thoughts and actions are pure, if you are seeking God's will, if you are confident in yourself and your purpose, and if you understand that you and your future spouse are valuable and worth waiting for - then abstinence is that much easier.   Purity is the fundamental building block for abstinence.

And what if you haven't been pure or abstinent?  Well that's the beauty of grace and forgiveness.  Through heartfelt repentance we do not want to do wrong anymore.  God sees our hearts and wipes the slate clean.  We have a new start and it is our decision to accept that and go forward, living a new life of purity. 

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God". - Matthew 5:8