Purity #1

The subject of purity has come up a few times recently in different ways.
Obviously God is holy and pure and he calls us to be like Him. But purity is an over-used word.

Volvic mineral water used to tell us “Purity, not just for the innocent”
We sell “pure” margarine at work which is gluten and dairy free.
“Pure indulgence” has been described as a box of luxury chocolates.
Will these products really bring us purity?

As Christians, when we talk about being purity we tend to think about sex. As if it is our sexual behaviour that makes us impure (or not). Is that all it is about?

The dictionary says:
purity noun 1 the state of being pure or unmixed. 2 freedom from contamination, pollution or unwholesome or intrusive elements. 3 chasteness or innocence.
ETYMOLOGY: 13c: from Latin puritas, from purus pure.

So what does it mean to be pure? Psalm 119 v 9 (RSV) says:
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to thy word.
So is that purity? Following what we read in the Bible down to the last letter?

In Matthew 5 v 8 (RSV) it says:
Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God
So is that the motive for purity? To experience God?

Philippians 4 v 8 (RSV) says:
Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
So... this is the first of a series of ponderings on purity.