Purity of Heart
“Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
In studying this promise, I first began to dissect the “purity” Jesus was describing. A “pure heart” is only something God can give, for man is depraved and corrupt from his birth. (Ps. 51:5, Rom. 5:12) Our heart’s are naturally wicked and impure. (Jer. 17:9) Thus to have a pure heart, one must come to the Giver of pure hearts. (Ezek. 36:26) A transformation process begins. Evil is replaced with holiness, and defilement with purity. God cleanses and washes our dirty hearts and creates clean, pure hearts acceptable in His sight.
Purity also expresses a “singleness of heart”. To be pure means to be free from defilement, stain, and evil. The pure heart has one desire - a single desire – and that is God Himself. Any other passion or aspiration is unclean to a pure heart because God alone can satisfy. Nothing else can or is needed. And to turn to any substitute for fulfillment will defile the heart’s purity.
Which brings me to my personal application. Have I turned to anything or anyone else to fill my heart (and thus defile my heart) other than Jesus? This morning was a time of repentance and renewal for me. The ultimate joy in my life is to see God, to behold His presence in my life, to see His workings in my heart. When He becomes hidden, it is time for a heart check. I am clinging to this promise and trusting in it’s fulfillment. The pure in heart shall see God.
Photography by Courtney
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Filed under: Devotional Life, Scripture on July 28th, 2008
I'm Kaysie, 22. Jesus follower. Lover of sunshine, trees, hot tea, books, music, family, the gospel, poetry and Barnes and Nobles. Has a weird obsession with paper. Over-analyzes almost everything. Adores simplicity. Lucky for you. 
What a blessed post. I so enjoyed reading the paragraph about “singleness of heart”. It reminds me of the verse in Song of Solomon where it speaks of having dove’s eyes. Doves can only see one object and are not distracted by peripheral vision. So it ought to be with us. Only seeing Christ. I do not want to be distracted by my own freshly desires or the world’s standards.
Amen, Sara! That is such a good insight about the “dove’s eyes”. I didn’t know that. Great insights you have Sara! Thanks for sharing that.
How precious Kaysie!
It also reminded me of an old Christian song that the words were stated something along the lines of … “When all things become shadows in the light of You, I worship You Lord, I worship You…”
Anyway, when we do get into His presence everything else does become like a shadow and doesn’t seem to matter as much. That is the awesomeness of His Presence!
Thanks,
Cindy
Great truths. I was kindof thinking along these lines when I wrote today’s post on my blog.
[...] Purity of Heart [...]
Love what Sara Nicole wrote about the dove’s eyes. It also makes me think of Peter when he tried to walk on water to Jesus. He was doing just fine as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, but when he looked away he immediately started to sink. Thanks for another great post.
Blessings,
Jamie