Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 KJV
One of the definitions of pure is "not mixed or adulterated with any other substance or material". This definition speaks volumes about God's standard and expectation for all who claim to know and follow Him. How does this definition impact me? What burden does it place on me?
First, let it be known and established that purity is God's standard, not man's. However God defines it must be my daily pursuit, not how man defines it. There are things that man applauds but God abhors; there are things celebrated by man but despised by God. You just have to know the difference, get your priorities right and seek after the important things.
Secondly, it is an outflow of the heart. Purity isn't assigned as a degree in the university, or acquired by 3 or 4 years in a seminary or bible college. It is the outflow of a heart that has been submitted to God, which God is working on daily. It is never quite the finished article on this side of eternity, but it is a constant work in progress, just like the path of the righteous that shines more and more unto the perfect day. When the heart is right, the life is right. When the heart isn't right, it does not matter what the life produces; the end will definitely testify as to the contents of the heart.
Thirdly, there is an end to all of these. You don't think God placed us on earth and left us to our devices? Why would he make us in His own image, give us of His breath, a measure of His spirit, the freewill to choose or reject Him, and give us a promise of eternal rest if it was all for nothing? God did all of these so we could come to Him, discover His purpose for our lives and seek to please Him daily. If I am not doing this now, then I am yet to fully discover the purpose for which I was created.
That is the basis of the end of today's extract: see God. Is there a point to this life if I don't see God at the end of it all? Is there a point to all of the pursuits, possessions, position, power and privileges we seek and run after today, at the expense of our eternal reality? Would it be worth it if I am celebrated on this side of eternity as having lived well, yet God would have no record of my walk with or work for Him? Eternity is too long a time not to be sure of where you will spend it. While you have time, make the right choice to seek, know and follow God. The end will be worth it. His time of favour is here.
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