To the Ends of the Earth: Witness – Week 3, Day 3 – Purity is a Delight that Overshadows Anything this World Offers Us

Mark C. McCann | 02/12/2025

Photo by John Price on Unsplash

Whom have I in heaven but you?

And there is nothing upon earth that I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.

For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;

you put an end to those who are false to you.

But for me it is good to be near God;

I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,

that I may tell of all your works.

Psalm 73:25–28

Even though it may feel good in the moment, impure living only brings sorrow and destroys us in body, mind, and soul. Taken to its extreme, these habits can lead to addictions to drugs, alcohol, and sex, which further dulls our senses, clouds our judgment, and ultimately devastates our lives. These habits are false forms of satisfaction that lead to nothing but dishonor, disillusion, and even death.

When we turn to God for our gratification, we discover pleasure, contentment, and ultimate fulfillment. Nothing else even begins to compare. As we seek a life of purity, overcoming habitual sins and searching for the peace that passes all human understanding (Phil 4:7) we are set free to shine as witnesses to the lost. Our strength is grounded in God alone. Our goals are transformed by the nearness of God, and we direct all our actions and words to drawing others closer to the kingdom and building up the Body of Christ.

Questions for reflection

What unsatisfying earthly addictions do you need to cast aside for the purity of Christ?

Where do you think God is inviting you to grow in the delight of knowing him and living a pure life for him? What is holding you back from answering that invitation?

How can you witness the Gospel to a brother who may be caught in habits of impure living and lead him into a deeper and more delightful relationship with Christ?

Praying with Scripture

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Ps 37:4)

You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE

You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE

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About the Author

Mark C. McCann

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Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.