Unfashionable Purity

I feel that it is important for you to know that the concept of purity has been heavy on my heart for a while now. Because I have felt this may be a struggle for you as well, I wanted to share this with you. ‘All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteous.1’ Because my words have no power or grounds for drawing attention, I only plan on asking you read what God says, not me. So ‘how can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to [God’s] word.2' Now I’ve always been told that this is an issue that the world has tried to glaze over so that we never have to feel guilty for doing anything wrong. But I want to know what worldly people are hiding from me. One of the Ten Commandments says ‘you shall not commit adultery.3’ It goes on to define adultery by saying ‘anyone who looks at woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.4’ So not only the physical act of sexual relations but also the mental act is unacceptable. People justify this by all sorts of means, but ‘do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers… will inherit the kingdom of God.5’ I know this may sound harsh, but this sin will affect my eternity. I am not willing to sacrifice eternally happiness in Heaven for a temporary joy ride. You may disregard this instruction from God because it seems difficult to change or it’s inconvenient, but know that ‘a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.6’ Trust me when I say self-destruction is not one of my life goals. Take or leave this, but I have been told to ‘rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt.7’ I no longer can sit by and let this go on around me without saying something. I know that ‘mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.8’ I am just fine with offending people if it means I can refine my friend group to ensure I am surrounding myself with only wise people. In addition to actually doing what God is asking, He says ‘you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but it sexually immoral.9’ I don’t believe this means to stop loving my friends who are being disobedient, but it does mean I am required by God to separate myself from them. I would like to point out that even though this post my offend you, I am not here to judge anyone. The Bible does say, ‘do not judge, or you too will be judged,10’ so that is not what I am trying to do. I simply am putting my beliefs out there for everyone to read.



1) Timothy 3:16
2) Psalm 119:9
3) Exodus 20:14
4) Matthew 5:28
5) 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
6) Proverbs 6:32
7) Leviticus 19:17
8) Proverbs 15:12
9) 1 Corinthians 5:11
10) Matthew 7:1

The Interview

No matter what stage of life you're in, an interview is always involved. Although this may not always be a formal interview, the passing of judgments from a 'superior' to and 'inferior' is almost inevitable. Within the first 10 seconds of meeting a new person, there are certain categories that we automatically throw that person into in our minds. This may be simply identifying them as friendly, good-looking, or annoying. But once that first impression stereotype is put into place, it is extremely difficult to reintroduce yourself to the same person twice. Now put this in the context of searching for a job and the pressure is on. Employers want to hire someone who can not only do a good job, but someone they can stand to be around 40 hours a week. Because of the competive job market, landing you next big career takes more than a stellar resume. I recently interviewed students for an internship and got  taste of what the other side of the desk looks like. Although this was a quick turn around from interviewee to interviewer, it gave me a new perspective on the entire interview process. I'm sure its different for every job, but asking questions to read into a persons answers can be exhausting. It about presentation, being comfortable with yourself, a formal friendship with a twist of sales. My advice: talk a lot, do your research, take notes, and relax.