Devotional
for the week – 12 November 2007
Sermon
Title: The Sixth Beatitude: Blessed Are The Pure In Heart
Scripture
Text : Matthew 5:8; Psalms 24: 3-8
Introduction
Integrity
determines who we are really on the inside. Jesus affirmed this
in Matthew 5:8. Jesus’ objective was to change the hearts
of sinners like us.
What
Matters To The Lord
Jesus
made reference to the religious behaviour and practices of the
Pharisees, Sadducees and religious teachers. He made a poignant
statement - that blind religiosity and spiritual hypocrisy were
worthless (Matthew 23:25–26).
It
is, therefore, not the mere embracement of external ritualistic
practices of the religion or the mental assent to doctrinal truths
that make a man godly. Rather, it is what is inside a man that
determines godliness. We are often so easily impressed by the
external appearances, creative talents and career success and
achievements of a man, that we fail to consider his inner character
in our measurement of a man’s greatness. God, however, is
interested in the inner thoughts, motives and intentions of each
person - the heart issue. It is not about merely doing the right
things, but doing things for the right reasons and with right
motives. 1 Samuel 16:7 reinforces this point.
What
Is Meant By Being “Pure In Heart”
“The
heart” in this passage metaphorically refers to the inner
person, the seat of motives and attitudes that make the centre
of a man’s personality. The heart is what you are, in the
secrecy of your thoughts and feelings, where nobody, but God,
sees and knows.
The
word “pure” means unmixed and unadulterated. In other
words, a person with a “pure heart” is one who is
single-minded in devotion and desire. It is a heart that gives
undivided attention to God and therefore possesses spiritual integrity
and true righteousness. There is no spiritual adultery committed
against God in such a person’s heart.
Jesus
said that the pure in heart would see God. A double-minded man
cannot please God since his heart is divided between the world
and God. This means that the impure are not granted admittance
to His presence. They are neither awed by the glory of His holiness,
nor are they comforted by His grace. Purity of heart, on the other
hand, is achieved through the alignment of our hearts with God’s
truths and seeking His face in all we do.
How
Do We Maintain A Pure Heart?
Spiritual
disciplines are but tools we employ in our walk with God. However,
these tools must be accompanied with a pure heart that wants to
know God. By our own strength, striving to maintain a pure heart
befitting of entering God’s presence to behold His glory
is impossible, however with God, all things are possible (Matthew
19:26).
James
4:7-8 teaches how we may overcome the temptations that seek to
distract us from God. We must:
Conclusion
Drawing
near to God and beholding His glory will effect the process of
becoming, which then leads to reflecting, His glory (2 Corinthians
3:18). It is not a quick glance or casual look but as the word
“behold” connotes, it means to study, stare, soak
in and contemplate. It is a serious pondering on God. In order
for us to behold His glory, we must be pure in heart. We do this,
not by our own strength, but through Him.
Prayer
Response
Dear
Lord, show me how to love You and to overcome the obstacles in
my life that prevent me from maintaining a pure heart. Forgive
me for the times I have done things that appear righteous outwardly
but are laced with impure motivations. I place these at the foot
of the cross and give all these to You. Holy Spirit, search my
heart and speak to me. Teach me how I may see and reflect Your
glory. Reveal Your heart to me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Devotional
based on a message by Reverend Vincent Goh