In Me 5!

In Me 5!

“Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God. Matthew 5:8 AMP

Context and Charge:

Jesus speaks here to His disciples, men he had just chosen out of many, to follow Him. He was teaching them about the principles of the Kingdom of God, and the rules of engagement with the Kingdom. It has to be noted here that it is not a democracy, where my views are sought before decisions are implemented, or where I get to vote in the leader every 4 or 5 years. This is a benevolent dictator, whose word is law, and whose rules are specific and particular. They leave you in no doubt as to the expectations, and I get to decide if I will follow, or if I will draw back. I must also not forget that the message today is for both the crowd and the disciples, but for the disciple, the demand is to understand what God wants and then pursue it with wholehearted devotion and dedication. The crowd may be content with just hearing; the disciple must take the next step of obedience. 

It is this next step of obedience that separates the disciple from the crowd. A disciple is a follower of Christ, and has totally embraced the demands of that discipline. One of the demands of that discipline is purity. You don't first see the purity; it must have first taken root in my heart and life as total surrender to God, before it can then flow out of me in my conduct, conversation, and the company that I keep. When men relate with me, it won't take much time for that which is IN me to flow OUT of me. This is why lying and pretending are just a waste of time; give it enough time, and all that is inside of me will be made manifest to the world. That is why the heart is key to this very important conversation. I must guard my heart with all diligence, because out of it will flow the issues of life. Before the issues can flow out, there would have been investment of time in the right things. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

The benefits of the right content of the heart are also eternal in nature. The verse before us makes it clear that if we get it right, we will see God. That is such a great end to the demand of purity, and it is an important part of our earthly walk. As we live down here, we are actually preparing for our eternal reality. Everything I do down here matters; nothing is inconsequential. What is the use of a life that does not end ìn the presence of God? What am I living for if I don't have anything eternal to look forward to at the end of my life on earth? If I will see God, I must live in a way that attracts all that He is. Let it be clear right away: sin will cause permanent separation from God. God will not condone sin, and anyone who desires the end of today's verse must align with the first part of the verse. That is God's standard, and the heavens and the earth will pass away before God breaks his Word. Now I know; there is no excuse. God's time of favour is here.