Pure!

Pure!

Matthew 5:8 AMP

[8] “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.

Today, we consider yet again another one of the classes of people Jesus refers to as blessed. It is important to consider what God calls blessed, as it is not the same as what the world calls blessed. To be blessed is to 'experience God's divine favor, inner peace, and spiritual well-being, rather than material wealth or perfect circumstances. It is a state of deep, joy-filled contentment that remains untouched by life's hardships'. It is first an inner state that impacts the outward; the world sets it the other way around. This tells me is that it is difficult for the world to defend a definition of being blessed that it can totally explain or fully understand. 

The world will not understand the demands of the verse above. This is also why the charge in the verse above was given to the disciples of Jesus, and not the crowd. Pray, how does the uncommitted majority know the value of purity, when it does not even know or submit to the Holy God? The crowd will only hear and enjoy the words, but it does not have the strength or capability to obey. God will not demand from me that which He has not first supplied sufficient grace for. If He commands it, be sure that He will supply what is needed to obey, as well as demand an accounting for that which He has commanded. Am I part of the crowd, or am I a true disciple? 

One definition of purity is 'not just about avoiding wrong behaviors, but it is a state of being morally uncompromised and wholly devoted to God. It encompasses both inner integrity and external actions, reflecting God’s own flawless character'. You do not define purity first from what a man does, but who lives in the inside of him. His external actions flow from his internal condition. His public face is a reflection of his private devotion. It has to be made clear that God is the focus of purity, as it is His own nature. God is holy, and that is His standard. The lesson here for me is to ensure that the internal is sorted; the public will take care of itself. 

Of course, when you are like God, you will end up with God. When you walk with God, you become more and more like Him. That is what proximity to God leads to. I cannot spend time with God, and men will not see His imprint on my life. I cannot be a follower of Christ Jesus and my life will not reflect His presence, glory and virtue. It is not a wonder, then, that the verse above says that the pure in heart shall see God. As they walk on earth, they will see God move in their defence. It may not always look good, but it will definitely end well. What is the use of a life that is only good for this earthly phase? I will see God when this earthly phase is over. God's time of favour is here.