A Symbol of Commitment

Mama got Jer and I 'purity rings' for our birthdays this year. I just got mine this Tuesday. It reads: I am my beloved's -- my beloved is mine.

For the past couple of days, I've been showing off my ring to friends. No, don't look at the scar tissue -- No, I'm not engaged.

"So what does that ring mean to you?" my friend Beth asked.

That got me to thinking. A ring on that finger does mean something. Lots of people call them 'purity rings,' but I consider that term trite. For me, it's more than just a symbol of saving sex for marriage. I chose this particular ring for a reason. The inscription means a lot to me.

I am my beloved's... my beloved is mine. The original meaning was meant for a future spouse, but that's not what it means for me. The name "Beloved" is reserved only for my Lord Jesus. Not even my husband gets that name. My ring is a symbol and a reminder that Jesus Christ will always have first place in my heart. I am His, and He is mine. Everyone else comes second.

It is not just a purity ring... it is not just a promise ring... it is a symbol of a lifetime of commitment to Christ. Matthew 6:33 tells us to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." The context speaks of physical needs, but I also think that when we seek Christ first, everything else falls into place beautifully. Because I love Christ and want to please Him I want to keep myself physically and spiritually pure.

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)