Midweek Message from the Archive
Beatitudes Part Seven: Pure in Heart
When I was teaching a science unit on weather to fifth graders we discussed the mystery of wind explaining that even though you can’t see the wind you know it’s real. You can observe its effects in creation: a flag blowing, your face burning with an icy-cold or burning-hot gust, a sound or odor that invisibly travels through the air. Wind isn’t tangible, you can’t literally touch it, but you know it’s there. Jesus even used this phenomenon in His illustration of our spiritual rebirth.
The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8
Our sixth beatitude is pureness of heart, that hidden part of you (1 Peter 3:4) that only God can know. It’s the place our desires come from as well as our behavior to fulfill those desires; it all begins in the heart, living to please God and not ourselves. Now stay with me, I’ll soon connect the wind. Desiring a pure heart sets the bar pretty high for a believer in Jesus Christ since our sinful nature drives us to patterns of behavior that make us feel good. Conversely, the Holy Spirit compels us toward holy thinking and therefore, holy living. Phil. 4:8 gives us a list of things to think on … things that are pure made that list. What we think about we usually act on, so true.
We may think that since we go to church most Sundays, occasionally read our Bible, send in a financial gift, and maybe even volunteer our time and energy to a ministry, we have this pure heart. On the contrary, Jesus said that unless our righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees we will never enter into kingdom living. The scribes and Pharisees were all about having the right behavior without the right heart. They looked good on the outside but God knew their heart. Our standard is higher; it’s love for God and love for others. Paul tells us:
The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 1 Timothy 1:5
What does all this have to do with the wind? Watch Jesus’ connection. When you have a pure heart, the right motives and attitudes that drive your behavior, you will see God.
You’ll observe His work in your life, mysterious, like the wind, and watch your circumstances change. Do you want to see God? Ps. 24:3-6 gives you instructions. Constantly check your heart and analyze why you do things. God wants you to see that flag blowing, feel His presence, hear His voice, and give you the peace that only He can deliver. You are blessed when you desire to please God more than yourself: that’s a pure heart and that’s how you see God.
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