WE CAN KEEP OURSELVES PURE BY READING GOD’S WORD AND DOING WHAT HE SAYS.

Bible Reading of the Day: Read Psalm 119:1-9.

Verse of the Day: “How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word and following its rules” (Psalm 119:9).

Lisa put the water bottle in her backpack and swung the pack into the air and onto her shoulders. She was ready by the time her dad returned to the path from the creek.

“I see you don’t need any help,” he said. He shouldered his pack in one fluid motion, and they continued their hike to that night’s campsite.

“Dad?” Lisa asked. “When we were talking down by the creek, you said that impure thoughts and deeds can make you sick in your heart and soul.”

Dad nodded.

“What did you mean?”

Dad thought for a few moments before answering. Finally, he said, “Imagine that you heard me talking one day when I didn’t know you were listening, and I was using foul language. How would that make you feel?”

“Awful,” Lisa answered.

“It would make me feel awful, too,” Dad answered, “in here.” He tapped his heart. “I would feel guilty and ashamed because of my impure conduct.” They walked in silence for a few moments. Then Dad continued. “How about this—suppose I started taking drugs. Do you think those drugs I put into my body would be good for me?”

“No,” Lisa answered. “You could get addicted.”

“You’re right. And if I got addicted, I might do things to hurt myself and others. Impurity is not only wrong, it’s almost always harmful, too.” “A lot of people do that stuff, though,” Lisa said.

Dad nodded. “That’s true. But they don’t have to. They could be pure; they just choose not to.”

They walked a while longer in silence. The path was easier now. After a few minutes, Lisa broke the silence.

“I’m glad you don’t do drugs or use bad language, Daddy.”

Dad smiled. “I’m glad none of us do. You know, the Bible says we can keep ourselves pure by reading God’s Word and doing what he says. If we do that, we’ll be a lot better off.”

TO DISCUSS: How can impure conduct be harmful? How can God’s Word help a person stay pure?

TO PRAY: Using your own words, take turns reading out loud a verse from today’s Bible reading, making the words of that verse your prayer. For example: “Lord, I know that people of integrity, who follow your Word, are happy. I want to be a person of integrity.”