Faith: Purity of the Gospel

Philippians 4:8            

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."

        When people focus too much on the trivial that are only the trappings and decorations of life, they miss the meat and substance that really matters in this world and the next world to come. The same principle applies to our lives as Christians. When we are too consumed with ceremonies, differing convictions that are not even central, and the promotion of wealth and fame in the church, we miss a big lot on the essentials of the Gospel.

            The Puritans were a group of people finally fed up with the 

trimmings, accessories and complications of established religion and were seeking for an approach that fixates on the pureness of Christianity. They wanted to devote themselves to the bare necessities of Christian life and strip all frills and garnishes that only weigh down their spiritual walk with God. They set out to find a fresh land and start a new beginning.

            From them, I learn that I can always go back to the purity of my faith. When religion weighs me down, there is always the option to remove all human effort and go back to a simple dedication and obedience to God and His word.