Pure in Heart

“Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

“Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” Psalm 24:3-4

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

The Word of God relates that the pure in heart shall see God. The word “pure” can be translated pure or clean. This is describing not an outward appearance of purity but a complete inward purity of thought and desire and single-minded devotion to God. Of course, no Christian will achieve totally purity of heart until we are transformed in Heaven and then we will see God face-to-face and this ultimate realization of “seeing God” is probably most in view in these verses. However, we are commanded to seek purity now and I think our lack of inward purity causes us to fail to see God in our life. If we made it our priority to daily pursue God and the purity He desires for us we would live in more peace and contentment and have more comforting truths revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. As we went along in our daily walk God would reveal himself in nature, in people around us and in a continual awareness that He is with us and directing our paths through life.

Psalm 51:10 reveals the only way to have a pure heart. It has to be created in us by God, by the Holy Spirit residing in us. We have no capacity to do it ourselves. If we simply yield to God’s power within us and follow His commandments, thereby “walking in the Spirit”, how much more full life would be for us. We could begin the ascent to the holy hill of the Lord that will only be fully revealed in eternity. During this Christmas season and on into the new year let us endeavor to keep the true spirit of Christmas and remember the savior sent to us in a manger. He brings us the opportunity not only for salvation from eternal punishment but also the ability to have a more pure heart here and now and thereby better see God.