Matthew 5:8

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Matthew 5:8
One of the most unique principles concerning the religion of Christ is the fact that the Lord is not just concerned with a person’s actions. Jesus is primarily concerned with how we think. Just because our outward actions are in line with proper moral behavior, does not mean we are right with God. When the southern kingdom of Judah went into Babylonian captivity, they left their idols behind. However, God through Ezekiel still condemned them because they had “set up their idols in their hearts” (Eze. 14:3). It is easy for a person to argue that he or she is not committing outward, visible sins. But that is not all there is to serving the Lord. There are sins of the heart; sins that go far deeper than, “You shall not….”Jesus now speaks of the blessedness that is found in the person who is pure in heart. This is arguably the most challenging of all the beatitudes. “Pure” means, clean, unmixed, unadulterated, unalloyed.” A kingdom citizen will strive diligently to maintain a clean mind. We live in a world filled with filth. It attacks us from every angle. Impurities of the heart may first be understood as moral sins. We are challenged by it in the grocery store line, on TV, and in the movies. A carnal person will give in to it and claim that it is hopeless to maintain a pure heart. Indeed, if we are not careful about what we allow our eyes to see and what we allow our minds to dwell on, there is no possible way of having a pure heart. But if we will do as Paul commanded and fill our minds with things that are “true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise,” the result will be a pure heart (Phil. 4:8). Purity of heart is also realized in how we think of others. Judgmental, bitter attitudes will never attain to a pure heart. And what about the love of possessions? These also create a double-minded man.

However, instead of focusing on how difficult this challenge is, we should be motivated to purity of heart because of its incomparable benefits. An impure mind is restless, perverted, and unfulfilled. There is no contentment, and certainly no blessedness.
Berry Kercheville