“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Matthew 5:8
A.W. Tozer once said, “The neglected heart will soon be a heart overrun with worldly thoughts; the neglected life will soon become a moral chaos.” In Matthew 5:8, Jesus informs the crowd about being pure in heart. His main point was for His followers to understand that God is solely concerned about inner purity. A pure heart is the source and base of all right living. Without a clean heart our lives will be ruled by sin.
To be pure in heart is to be free from evil desires and purposes. James said, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts you double-minded” (James 4:8). Those who are pure are governed by God, focused on God, and loyal to God. They are motived by the promises of God. The precious promise in Matthew 5:8 belongs to those who are pure, but an impure heart will not see God. How clean is your heart? Is it free from worldly thoughts and desires? As Christians, we should not allow the world to contaminate our hearts. We must remain pure to receive the priceless promise of God.
How does one maintain a pure heart?
Maintaining a pure heart takes work. As Hodge said, “heart work is hard work.” There is only one practical way to maintain a clean heart and that is to draw near to God. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). There are two ways to draw near to God. Number one: we can draw near to God through prayer. Number two: we can draw near to God through His word. These are two fundamental, but major ways, to keep our hearts from yielding to the deceitfulness of sin. Psalm 119 highlights the importance of making sure that God’s word is hidden in the heart:
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You” (Psalm 119:9 – 11).
“Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law and keep it with all my heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to dishonest gain” (Psalm 119:34 – 36).
“With all my heart I will observe Your precepts” (Psalm 119:69).
How is your heart? Is it pure? Is it filled with a love for the world or a love for Christ? Jesus said, “blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Keep in mind, your heart will determine your destiny.
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