"Blessed Are the Pure In Heart,..."

Continuing our study, we proceed to the next Beattitude in verse 8:

Matthew 5:8 NIV

[8] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

This says we will be happy if we stay "pure in heart," and when we do that we will experience God in our very lives. 

How do we do that? How do we keep ourselves pure? By not sinning like everyone else does. By not participating in all the things of the world. By not thinking and acting like everyone else in the world. We should get rid of all worldy things and influences in our lives. Don't just live like everyone else, but live for God and what He desires for our lives. Follow Jesus every day!!

Get rid of anything that hinders our walk with God. Don't conform to "the patterns of this world," which is how everyone else does things in the world around you. Walk by the Holy Spirit's guidance in our spirit. Keep our minds set on "things above and not earthly things." Think on good things. Keep our eyes on Jesus and how He lived and do likewise. Follow Jesus and noone else!! So cool!!!!

Look at these great passages that instruct us:

1 Timothy 5:22b. NIV

[22]...and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

James 1:21-22 NIV

[21] Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. [22] Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 

Galatians 5:16 NIV

[16] So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

[1] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, [2] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Colossians 3:1-3 NIV

[1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. [3] For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 

Philippians 4:8 NIV

[8] Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. 

Romans 12:2a NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...

Why do any of this as Christians? Because we are the Church. We belong to Jesus now. We represent Jesus in the world around us. He will use us, and work through our lives to save those around us. He works through us, by the Holy Spirit inside us, so other people can be born again too, and go to heaven too. 

So, all His commands and teachings are for that purpose, and to give us the "abundant" life He promised. So awesome!! 

Love you dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

PS- Today marks my 200th blog entry since I started this on Sept.11th, 2024. So cool!!