Embracing Friendship with God: Walking in Purity

Scripture References:

• James 4:4 (TPT- Passion Translation): "You have become spiritual adulterers who are having an affair, an unholy relationship with the world. Don’t you know that flirting with the world’s values places you at odds with God? Whoever chooses to be the world’s friend makes himself God’s enemy!"

  
  

• Galatians 5:19-21 (TPT): "The cravings of the self-life are obvious: sexual immorality, lustful thoughts, pornography, chasing after things instead of God, manipulating others, hatred of those who get in your way, senseless arguments, resentment when others are favored, temper tantrums, angry quarrels, only thinking of yourself, being in love with your own opinions, being envious of the blessings of others, murder, uncontrolled addictions, wild parties, and all other similar behavior."

  
  

• Galatians 5:24 (TPT): "Keep in mind that we who belong to Jesus, the Anointed One, have already experienced crucifixion. For everything connected with our self-life was put to death on the cross and crucified with Messiah."

  
  

• 1 John 2:15-17 (TPT): "Don’t set the affections of your heart on this world or in loving the things of the world. The love of the Father and the love of the world are incompatible. For all that the world can offer us—the gratification of our flesh, the allurement of the things of the world, and the obsession with status and importance—none of these things come from the Father but from the world. This world and its desires are in the process of passing away, but those who love to do the will of God live forever."

  
  

Reflection:

Walking in friendship with God requires a commitment to purity, a life that resists the temptations of the world and embraces the call to holiness. James 4:4 (TPT) emphasizes that friendship with the world’s values makes us enemies of God. We can’t serve both the world and God—choosing to be close to Him means rejecting the harmful influences of the world.

Galatians 5:19-21 (TPT) lists the destructive works of the flesh, which keep us from walking in purity. Things like lustful thoughts, self-centeredness, and strife can hinder our relationship with God. But as Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:24 (TPT), those who belong to Christ have already crucified these desires, choosing instead to live according to the Spirit.

In 1 John 2:15-17 (TPT), we are called to set our hearts on the eternal rather than the temporary pleasures of the world. The things of this world—status, desires of the flesh, and material obsessions—are passing away, but those who follow God’s will live in His eternal presence.

Walking in purity isn’t about achieving perfection, but about seeking God’s ways and allowing His Spirit to guide our daily choices. As we surrender to His will, we deepen our friendship with Him and align our lives with His eternal truth.