Blessitudes: Purity of Heart

 August 9, 2020             NOTES NOT EDITED

Blessitude:  Purity of Heart

Matthew 5:8

 SIS—Purity of heart means that the singular, driving passion of your life is to know God and make him known.

(Mat 5:8)  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

The word "pure" comes from Greek word, "kartharos."  Greeks used the word, katharos, in three distinct ways:

❶ It often referred to objects that had been cleaned, such as dirty     clothes that had been laundered.  ❷ It often had the idea of  separation, such as separated the chaff from wheat or corn; or, purging an Army of discontented, cowardly, or ineffective soldiers. ❸ Sometimes it would be combined with another word like, "gold."  Here it would mean "pure gold free from any other substances, or alloys [foreign substances."

If you are over 50 years old, you have likely had an intimate experience with the Greek word, “katharos.”  We get the English word, “cathartic,” from the Greek word, “katharos.”  Castor Oil is a cathartic.  Moms used to dispense this liberally anytime one of her little ones had “stomach issues.”  Castor Oil “cleaned you out” in a big way!  Castor Oil “purged you of all impurities.”  And, you knew it was powerful medicine because it tasted horrible.

Understanding the Greek (Hebrew) concept of “heart” is also important.  It could obviously be a reference to the internal organ, but when used analogically, or as a symbol, it refers to the “totality of a man’s being including mind, will, and emotions.”

Purity here, therefore, refers to a life that is "clean, unmixed, and without any contaminating alloys." Thus, it is a "clean heart," undivided in its devotion that will be able to experience God and his goodness fully (that is, “see God”).   An unclean heart, or divided mind dulls a person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual senses.  An unclean heart prevents a person from fully experiencing the "joy of God's creation--that is, abundant life."

It is important to note once again that we are not talking about a virtuous “idea” but about virtuous “action.”  In the Bible, especially in Matthew, righteousness and virtue, refer to a life-style, not a ritual cleanliness (NAC).  A good example of this is Joseph and his response to Mary’s unexpected pregnancy (1:18-19) Joseph had every right to divorce Mary for unfaithfulness (sex before marriage).  Instead, Joseph is called “a righteous man,” not because of his “feelings” about the matter, but his actions.  He intended to act in such a way that would be of greatest benefit to Mary and avoid any public humiliation.  He was righteous not according to his “thoughts, doctrine or feelings,” but according to his actions.  So, it is wrong to reduce “purity of heart” to either perfect religion or perfect doctrine.  It refers to “holy living” or, righteousness in action.  Now, as with all virtues, we never achieve perfection but are always pursuing it.

At the end of this “pursuit of purity” we gain a special access to God—“we see Him in a way” non-believers, or carnal believers never could.  Purity of heart leads to the most intimate understanding of Who God is and what He has done for us.  It’s like a “back stage pass” to a concert—access that general admission cannot provide.  

This is the focus of this blessitude. When we allow the impurity of sin to invade our heart like a virus, we dull our spiritual ability to "see God."   An unclean heart makes it impossible to experience the joy of God and His creation.  Purity of heart is a goal we will never completely reach but we are always pursuing.  A clean, undivided heart, devoted to God is the source of happiness and real joy. The Bible suggest we follow four steps to purity of heart: OpenUp, Lighten Up, Loosen Up, and Take up.   First step is to 

❶  OPEN UP to God's mercy.

 We spoke of “mercy” in last weeks message.  We were reminded of the importance of “receiving God’s forgivenessprovided by the work of Jesus Christ on the cross.  Spiritual purity cannot be mustered by our own efforts, however well-intentioned or sincere they might be.  At one point in his life, lamenting over his sin, David's asked God to  Create in me a pure heart. (Psa. 51:10). Purity is a creation of God.  It is a gift.  It is received, not earned. King David learned this bitter lesson when he allowed the sin of lust to invade his spirit and dull his ability to enjoy God and His creation.  Here’s David’s cry to God to “create in him a clean heart.” 

(Psa 51:1-12)  For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.   Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;  according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. {2}Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. {3}For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. {4}Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. {5}Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. {6}Surely you desire truth in the inner parts ; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. {7}Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow {8}Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. {9}Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. {10}Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. {11}Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. {12}Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Twice David points out the real agony of sin, "the loss of joy and gladness in life."  Look at verses 8 and 12 again,{8}Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. {12}Restore to me the joy of your salvation.

The source of all sorts of sadness, disappointment, depression, disease, and death can be traced back to an "unclean heart."   So many Christians mope about with their chin dragging the ground--sick, sad, and unsightly--because of an "unclean heart or divided mind."   Sin makes it impossible to sip the sweet wine of God's goodness.  Sin makes it impossible to see God in any given situation. An "unpure heart" robs a person of sweet communion with God.  

 God is right before one's eyes, but because of an unclean heart, a person is blind to his presence. Not long ago, a Christian commented to me, "I don't know where God is.  How could this be happening to me?  I can't see how God can possibly be in my life with all that's happening to me."

I had to agree with this person that life appeared to be a real mess.  I could not agree, however, that God was not present amidst these struggles. This person became agitated when I would even suggest that perhaps the problem was not God, but their own divided allegiences.  I suggested that perhaps they should try to be more faithful to the worship of God.  For months this person had only attended church sporadically, seldom, if ever, receiving much from the services.  This simply will not do.  We cannot expect to "reap the joy of salvation," if we "sow with unclean hands and a divided heart."

In another Psalm, David cries out,  
(Psa 24: 3, 4)   Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart.  

In yet another Psalm David beseeches the Lord, (Psa 86:11)   Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

❷ Second, we must LIGHTEN UP our busy schedules to allow time to establish a dynamic relationship with God.

 It is absolutely impossible to fully experience the fullness of God when we are hopelessly entangled in the thorns of busyness.   Christians are so busy.  Even good things will choke out your happiness if you do not keep them in check.  There are only 24 hours in a day.  It does not matter how fast you move--unless you approach the speed of light--you are still only alloted 24 hours, with 60 minutes each. 

Max Lucado has pointed out that America is the only country in the world that has a mountain called, "Rushmore."   Too keep our lives free from the clutter of worldly cares, we need to lighten up and "Rush-less."

Purity of heart requires a single-minded devotion  to God through prayer and study of the Word.  This requires TIME.  You cannot avoid worldly entanglements and earthly worries if you live under the tyranny of an over-burdened lifestyle.  God's Word instructs us that an over-burdened schedule is like a patch of thorns:

(Mat 13:22)   the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.

To find purity of heart we must LIGHTEN UP our lives. Once you have OPENned UP, and LIGHTENED UP, you can then begin to

 ❸ LOOSEN UP your grip on unhealthy attitudes or  unproductive  behavior.

Until you pass steps one and two, step three is impossible. Without the Holy Spirit's help and guidance we cannot turn loose of those "sins that just won't let go" (Heb. 12:1, CEV).  

Sooner or later, the grip of sin will always choke out joy and happiness.  ALWAYS!  NO EXCEPTIONS!  (Prov 20:17)   Food gained by fraud tastes sweet to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.

Sin may be sweet for a season--but the season always turns! I've said before, "No one can play in a pig sty withoutsooner or later smelling like a pig!" To be pure in heart, we may have to loosen our grip on attitudes and actions that would blur our vision of God. 

Remember the Rich Young Ruler.  He could not loosen his grip on his worldly possessions.   (Mark 10:17-23)   As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" {18}"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone. {19}You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.' {20}’Teacher,’ he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." {21}Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." {22}At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. {23}Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!"

This young man's sin was: greed.  What sin are you gripping so tightly that you cannot take  hold of God's life-line?You must learn to loosen your grip on evil attitudes and unproductive behavior if you hope to have a "pure heart" and "see God." Purity in heart comes in four steps:  we must OPEN UP; LIGHTEN UP; and LOOSEN UP.  To complete the purging of our heart we must,

❹ TAKE UP the cause of Christ.  

Pure in heart is more than the absence of sin. Suppose you took a tractor and plowed a field until it was free of weeds.  It would not then be a farm, but merely an empty lot.  A "good" field is not one that is merely free of weeds.  A good field is one that produces a harvest.

Jesus taught this lesson in a parable. (Mat 12:43-45)   "When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. {44}Then it says,  'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. {45}Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first.

Opening up to God's cleansing mercy; lightening up your burdensome schedule to allow more time for God; and loosening up your grip on unwise attitudes or unproductive behavior, will do much to purify your heart.   To complete the transformation, you need to TAKE UP a new cause or crusade that will be the focus of your life.

It is so easy to give up "things" if we take up a "cause." I've heard many actors tell about moving to Hollywood and living in squalid conditions, just so they could practice their art.  I've read about many painters who would live in cold, damp warehouses, or flats, just so they could pursue the love or their life--painting.  And, they were extremely satisfied and happy.  Why?  How could they be so satisfied and happy living in such dismal circumstances?  They answer:   they had taken up a cause!

One of the great servants to humanity was a globally honored Nun named,  Mother Teresa of Calcutta.  As a Catholic Nun, she left the quiet and security of the convent and moved to the poorest or the poor in the slums of Calcutta.  One of the first souls she rescued from dying alone on the streets was a woman she found on the streets being eaten by rats while she was still alive.  The small, slight Mother Teresa dragged the woman to the hospital.  This began her life's work loving the "poorest of the poor" in the slums of Calcutta.  People that had the opportunity to meet Mother Teresa said, "She has a radiant, God-filled face."  

This dear saint of a lady had OPENED UP to God's love and mercy.  She had LIGHTENED UP her schedule to make time for ministry and service to God by helping others.  She had LOOSENED UP her grip on worldly pleasures and treasures.  She had TAKEN UP a crusade to make a difference in the world.  That is why she had "a radiant, God-filled face!"

(Mat 5:8)   Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Perhaps the greatest book written on the matter of “Purity of Heart” is by the Danish, Lutheran philosopher Soren Kierkegaard.  He wrote a deep and profound book titled, “Purity of Heart Is To Will One Thing.”  Jesus described this, “one thing” in His discourse with the Rich Young Ruler.  Jesus described a pure heart as one that:  (Mat 22) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  ³⁸ This is the greatest and most important  command. ³⁹ The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.

The key phrase to a “pure heart” is, “ALL your heart, ALL your soul, ALL your mind.”  That is the whole of your being.  And the object of a pure devotion is God, Himself, as He is, not worship out of fear, or worship to gain a reward, or even worship as a sense of duty.  Purity of heart is to desire God simply because He is God.  

To the degree we pursue “purity of heart” we enjoy perfection in our worship.  Only those with a pure heart can truly worship God.  Everything else is pretense and empty religious pursuit.

God can be so very real to you, too. Take up His cause.  Develop a single-minded devotion to God and His work and you will know the meaning of real joy and happiness.   Take up the cross of Jesus and commit to the cause of God.  

Therein lies true purity of heart--therein lies real happiness--therein lies the ability to to experience God and His creation in all its glorious fulness.  Take up the cause of Christ and “make Him known.”  A little poem gives us a big reminder of the essence of Christian devotion.

Christ has no hands but our hands to do His work today. // He has no feet but our feet to lead men on the way. // He has no tongue but our tongues to tell men how He died. // He has no help but our help to draw men to His side.

“Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God,” that is, pursuing purity of heart will allow you to experience God in a way that the “unbeliever” with a sin-shackled heart can never experience God.

Have you ever had a bad cold and tried to enjoy a good meal?  You can’t enjoy even the most exquisite meal because the “impurity of the virus in your system” dulls your sense of smell.   In such a condition, it is totally impossible to enjoy even the most exquisitely prepared feast!  Purity of heart expands our senses and heightens our ability to enjoy the Person and Presence of Almighty God.

OPEN UP to God's mercy and forgiveness.  LIGHTEN UP your schedule to allow quality time to be spent in prayer and meditation. LOOSEN UP your grip on besetting sins and unproductive behavior.  Then TAKE UP the cause of Christ.  Then you will discover God in all His glorious fullness.

Purity of heart is a blessitude when we desire nothing more than to know God and make Him known, completely free of earthly entanglements, and for no other reason than God’s own worthiness.