Jesus on Purity!

When it comes to water....most of us think that the purer it can be.....the better! If that is the sentiment for water....think how much more important purity is for the rest of our lives!
In Matthew 5:8 we read "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." THERE is nothing in which mankind more generally imagine happiness to consist than in the uncontrolled indulgence of their passions.(Charles Simeon) If what Charles says is true...which I think it is....What Jesus says about where you will find happiness is a bit against the flow of today's thinking. Imagine...being pure and happy! When everyone around you is turning to a life with very few guidelines, happy are the pure seems like a raised standard. The result of those who decide to allow Jesus to purify their lives are given the reward of seeing God. In this context being “pure in heart” means to have no double allegiance. One heart that is focused on God and allegiance only to him. That is pure in heart.

I liked what Charles Spurgeon wrote In Faith's Checkbook. It is a devotional entitled "Purity of Heart and Life"...

Purity, even purity of heart, is the main thing to be aimed at. We need to be made clean within through the Spirit and the Word, and then we shall be clean without by consecration and obedience. There is a close connection between the affections and the understanding: if we love evil we cannot understand that which is good. If the heart is foul, the eye will be dim. How can those men see a holy God who love unholy things? What a privilege it is to see God here! A glimpse of Him is heaven below! In Christ Jesus the pure in heart behold the Father. We see Him, His truth, His love, His purpose, His sovereignty, His covenant character, yea, we see Himself in Christ. But this is only apprehended as sin is kept out of the heart. Only those who aim at godliness can cry, "Mine eyes are ever towards the LORD." The desire of Moses, "I beseech thee, show me thy glory," can only be fulfilled in us as we purify ourselves from all iniquity. We shall "see him as he is," and "every one that hath this hope in him purifieth himself." The enjoyment of present fellowship and the hope of the beatific vision are urgent motives for purity of heart and life. LORD, make us pure in heart that we may see Thee!
Today...right where you are.....make the decision to focus your heart on purity.....pure thinking...pure actions....pure motives....growing from a relationship with God...the source of your purity.
Pick a Bible believing and teaching group of worshippers tomorrow and see what God wants to do in your life to make it possible for you to see God.
Blessings,
Pastor Brian