2 Corinthians 7:1

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete purity because we fear God.

New Living Translation

We have such great promises in scripture. Promises of love, provision, protection, and eternal life. Paul taught that these great promises should inspire us to have great fear (or awe) of God.

And this awe should inspire us to do all we can to please Him. This will require effort, as we work to cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit.

Intention is required. Cleansing isn't automatic. We have to ask for it, seek it, ask God to search us, and show us what is defiling. That part is important, because there are often things that are sinful that we are reluctant to label as such.

Working toward complete purity isn't about gritting our teeth and trying to keep all the rules. It is about asking God to reveal truth, and then submitting to His cleansing when He shows us what He wants to change.