Mathew 5:8
‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.’
I’ve thought quite a bit about this pure heart matter. I sure do want the benefits of a pure heart- a deeper and more intimate relationship with God (for they will see God), and higher quality of relationships and connections (will have kings as friends. Proverbs 22).
I’ve made it almost a daily prayer. Lord, give me a pure heart. But wait a minute, how do I know when I’ve got it? When is it time to stop praying for it? Or is it a constant prayer, every day for the rest of my life? Lord, will you send me a badge, or at least let me know when my heart is pure? Will you let everyone else around know too, just in case? Lord, do you even know the kind of thoughts that pass through this mind of mine? Really?? Can it ever be always totally free of junk?
But I think I’m getting it now. The Lord has shed more light on this pure heart matter. The (wo)man with a pure heart has a kind of thought sorting system, or call it junk/filth recognition system at the door of his heart. All kinds of thoughts will bombard your mind, but the thought sorting/recognition system will filter out every non-God glorifying thoughts.
And that’s where God’s Spirit helps you. He puts in you an easy God consciousness, so you’re recognizing ambushments as they come through your mind. I’ve caught Jealousy and self pity at the door recently, and thrown them out instantly. I recognized selfishness too, and quickly shut down a seemingly innocent suggestion it presented. Did I mention some healthy doses of pride? God’s grace helps me recognize this defilements promptly, so I don’t even have to entertain them and let them cause havoc. His grace also make this easy, so its not like i’m under some heavy burden or pressure always.
So a pure heart is a heart always at work. Filtering, sieving and letting in only that which would glorify the Master. Its a consciousness of the ways of God at all times, checking that our thoughts and desires are in line with the Master’s, all the time. No wonder a pure heart sees God, who’s too holy to behold any form of iniquity!
I honestly don’t think this is one of those classes you graduate from, when the curriculum is done. So don’t be expecting any certificates! You never get done. I wish I could say this was something I’ve mastered or perfected. But no, I still fall short ever so often. But we have to persevere in working at this. It has to be constantly maintained! Ask God for grace to have and maintain a pure heart before Him always.
Selah