God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8 NLT).
In my walk with Christ, I want to know God and see God: see Him in my life, see Him at work in my family, my relationships, and in all aspects of my spirit, heart, and soul. Beyond what this world has to offer, even beyond the blessings that God blesses us with, I want to know Him more!
Now, when it comes to knowing someone, to having a healthy relationship, we need to “see” them – which is to know them. For example, the best part of my day is coming home after a long day at work and seeing my awesome wife – seeing her beautiful face – enjoying her company – and also the company of my children. Now, that would be hard to do if I never came home – that relationship would be wanting. I wouldn’t get to know them more each day without seeing them; and in a way that is how it is in the Kingdom of God.
When we see God, we are forever changed; I think of Moses who went up on Mt. Sinai and spent 40 days in the presence of God. When he descended from the mountain top, he was “glowing” – the Bible says his face was “radiant” (Exodus 34:29).
Jesus shares something powerful with us. He says, “God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8 NLT).
As we desire to know God more and more, we have to strive to live pure in this impure world. Purity defined is “containing nothing that does not properly belong.” God created us to live for Him and worship Him, but the devil seeks to distort and twist (which is to “pervert”) that which God has created so wonderfully.
There are so many things that can defile us in this world, and they are all just a touch/click/glance away. It’s so “easy” to let go of that “Purity” that God wants us to protect – the avalanche of temptation is real and exists via SOCIAL MEDIA, MUSIC, MOVIES, MAGAZINES, BEING UNEQUALLY YOKED, CONVERSATIONS, ETC. Through these things and many others, many Christians are being robbed of purity and thus having a life where they could see God exchanged for sin which is nothing more than a minuscule counterfeit of what we really want – a true loving, beautiful relationship with Jesus.
It goes without saying, but I will say it: we will never be perfect – all have fallen short of the Glory of God – but Purity is something we can strive for. Even though we will never reach it until we get to heaven, we have to try and try each day; when we’re impure, we have Jesus to cleanse us and forgive us.
Let’s ask ourselves today and daily, “What am I trading my purity for?” We should all strive to answer, “Nothing.” I will trade my Purity for Nothing! Seeing God in our lives is the greatest reward of all. Why? He (Jesus) is our Reward!
God Bless,
Matthew Penalber