respect

In my study on 1 Timothy 5:1-2, I was struck by the little phrase "with all purity." Purity in this passage is in the context of respect and mutual submission. And the question is what does purity have to do with respect? Often times purity is talked about in terms of what we don't do. Obviously that is a part of purity, but pursuing purity from this passage is a proactive way to give respect to one another.

Paul invites this church to treat women as sisters with all purity. Impurity actually denigrates our relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ. Sexual impurity is taking people created in the image of God and denigrating them to objects of lust or desire. Impurity not only disrespects people, but it disrespects God’s created order. To pursue purity is to see each other as brothers and sisters. Instead of lust, we seek to see people as sisters in need of dignity and grieve when they are not respected. Therefore, one reason we pursue purity is so that we can show more respect to one another.

Also, I would recommend an online book that I read as a part of my preparation. It is specifically about the issues of lust and pornography written specifically for men. You can find it here.