by Jerry Senn
One of Jesus’ beatitudes states, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).
Watching the debate over morality and public policy in our nation is fascinating. Most of us like to think of ourselves as moral people. None of us likes to think of ourselves as corrupt, depraved, or evil. But I am not sure that, much of the time, we really understand what true morality is and where it comes from.
While we may be able to impact our behavior by certain restrictions of law, we will never be able to change the essence of a person’s morality in that way. Limiting what a person can do outwardly does not always change who that person is inwardly. Behavior flows from the inward nature of an individual. You might say that it is a matter of the heart.
So, when Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart … “ He was emphasizing that what we all really need is to be right on the inside. So, while public policies and behavioral restrictive laws may have some impact on the morality of society, let us remember that the “pure in heart” who “will see God.” In this way we acknowledge our loving Father as our number one priority and submit in gratitude to his wisdom, not to our own.
As Paul said to the brethren in Philippi, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and seen in me –practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).
Philip P Bliss (1873) wrote the words of this great old hymn:
“More holiness give me, more strivings within, more patience in suffering,more sorrow for sin, more faith in the Savior, more sense of his care, more joy in His service, more purpose in prayer. // More purity give me, more strength to o’er-come, more freedom from earth-stains, more longings for home; more fit for the Kingdom, more useful I’d be, more blessed and holy, more, Savior, like Thee.”
The heart of the matter, where morality is concerned, is the heart !!!