Pure In Heart

What automatically comes to mind when I think about the topic of purity is sexual purity, but the Bible also talks about other kinds of purity. In Psalms and Matthew we can read about being Pure In Heart.

"Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God."
(Matthew 5:8).

"Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me."
(Psalm 51:10)

So what does it mean to be pure in heart? Tough question right? I recently sent out a post on facebook asking people to give me their definition of a pure heart. I was amazed at the incredible feedback I got. Here are some of the responses I received:

Pure at heart is......feeling peace in knowing Christ is in control. Embracing 100% forgiveness for past mistakes and realizing His unending grace asks that we be faithful with our talents.

A pure heart happens when you enter into a genuine relationship with God through Christ. There is no other way! It is totally through the completed work of Jesus and his death on the cross. Ephesians 2:8,9

It is abstinence of vices or an abundance of virtue.

A pure heart is a faithful heart. One that's not always cheating on God with the world. Too many Christians are having affairs on Jesus.

A pure heart is a characteristic of a person in a deep intimate relationship with God. Psalm 24:4 and 2 Tim. 2:22 come to mind. I also think about David who was a man after God's own heart. He wasn't perfect, but had a strong desire to please God.
Pure means the highest standard of quality, or without fault or defect. I don't think this means we are to be perfect (that is impossible for us to do here on earth), rather I think it is a call to a higher standard.

Being pure in heart has to do with your intentions and motivations. For example - doing volunteer work because it makes you feel good - not pure in heart. Clearly, this extends to other areas of our life, but that was an easy example

The first thing that comes to my mind is I immediately think back to God's Word talking about being blameless before God!

That you are Godly...that your heart always does right. You are in the world but not of the world.

Purity is an ingrained spirtual nature that brings us back to God even when we fall....righteousness of God not human righteousness....

That your motives are always true. You don't do things to see what you can get in return, you don't manipulate people, and you live your life loving people the way Christ loves you.

A pure heart, to me, is thinking back to the song "Innocent" by Stellar Kart...being God's, wholeHEARTedly...wanting to worship God in everything you do, wanting only to be God's.

Pure in thought, pure in attitude, transparent with no hidden agenda

(Thanks everyone. I was blown away by all the great answers.)

As believers in Christ we are called to live pure lifestyles, with pure hearts and pure thoughts. But how do we do this? Especially in a world so full of impurtiy? First, we have to acknowledge that we can't have pure hearts on our own. Our sinful nature simply doesn't allow it, but by the Grace of God our hearts can be made pure.

Secondly, we must stay in the word and keep our thoughts focused on things that are pure. The Bible gives us some great scripture for this.

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.” Psalm 119:9.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Finally, I think we can help maintain a pure heart by living lives devoted to God and his service. Take time to fellowship with other Christians and learn to hold each other accountable. When we live our lives this way, not only will we be a blessing to others but, God will bless us and fill our lives with joy.