It is said that we are who we really are when no-one else is around to "see" what we are doing. If that is true then there is hope for the Believer. Our spiritual life is fortified in a private place called the prayer closet. For most of us it is not a real closet, but a daily time set aside where we are sequestered with God. It is this private place of devotion that defines who we really are, and sets our hearts on a quest for purity.
Is it possible to be pure in heart...completely pure? Probably not...let me explain: The word "pure" suggests a perfection that is beyond our human ability to attain; however, as Believers we are covered by the ever cleansing, purifying, transforming work of Christ. We take on the righteousness of Christ and stand before God as someone who is pure. As Believers, we are partakers in Christ's righteousness based on His grace, mercy and love which rescued us from the impurity of a sinful heart.
One day we will all stand before God, and only the pure in heart will hear the voice of the Lord say, "Welcome, thou good and faithful servant." Do we enter on the basis of our innate goodness? "No"--we enter, because, we put our hope and faith in the One who was able to cover us when we were too weak to cover ourselves. Until that time, when we see God face to face, the Apostle Paul has some good advice that will help move us towards purity. He said, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." Phil 4:8 (NKJV) Great advice!!
Prayer: (The Lord's Prayer as recorded by Matthew) "Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our defts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever." Amen
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