Corrupting the Purity of Faith

Scripture: For this reason rebuke them sharply, so that they may become sound in the faith, not paying attention to Jewish myths or to commandments of those who reject the truth. To the pure all things are pure, but to the corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure. Their very minds and consciences are corrupted. Titus 1:13b-15

Observation: As Paul reenforces the actions to be taken by Titus on Crete, he discusses those who are believers yet rebel against proper teaching. Mostly, these are Jews. They pay attention to "Jewish myths" and to commandments given to them by non-believing Jews ... in other words, likely mixing Jewish custom and ceremony with Christian faith in a way that is causing doubt in true faith in Jesus.

This leads to an observation, that to the pure (sound believers in Jesus) all things are pure, but to the corrupt (those who prioritize myths and practices and customs and ceremonies as part of their faith) and the unbelieving (non believers) nothing is pure. In the case of understanding goodness in the world, Paul states that total disbelief in Jesus, AND belief that is intermixed with procedural requirements and practices, create the same mindset ... a corrupted idea of purity/goodness.

With faith, purity is determined by alignment to Jesus Christ, his teaching, and the practices of love and mercy. However, add anything else into the mix - like requirements of sacrifice, cleansing procedures, or prescribed words to say before an action - and purity now requires a determination outside of Jesus. And these are commandments added through attempted observation of God's commands, which Paul himself likely enforced at one time! Adding other practices - whether they are faith, government, or culturally based - is at least just as corrupting.

Application: We have many, many debates in modern society that Christians are turning into Christian debates. Some are political, some are cultural. All are outside of Jesus' teaching and his words about love and caring for others. And interestingly, all the resulting debate about such issues boil down to debates about "purity" ... what is good, what is right, what is loving ... what is pure.

If we focus on the mission of loving others in the name of Jesus, we will find the purity of things and goodness of things. If we focus on procedural correctness, rituals, traditions, myths, and debates, we will interpret nothing as good. This mindset reflects our own corruption.

Prayer: Lord, today I pray for brothers and sisters struggling with corrupted debates in their minds. They are losing focus on your love. None of us can understand everything going on in the world today, but you can give us simple and clear instructions. May we all have ears to hear you, Jesus. Please give us all your loving word today. Amen.