The LORD detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.
Proverbs 11:20
What does it mean to have a pure heart? How can we live that out practically in our everyday lives?
When we give our lives to Christ, He puts within us a desire to cultivate a pure heart. Sometimes, as the months and years go on, if we don’t intentionally keep our hearts pure, that desire becomes thin and feels far away. I don’t just mean from sexual immorality although that is included.
It’s about being free from all forms of evil, including things like pride, deceit, greed, bitterness, and anything that goes against God’s will. A pure heart is focused on honoring God in every aspect of life.
It’s not just about our outward actions, it’s about our inner thoughts. Our thoughts are the product of our hearts and they speak louder than our actions. We feel“safe” because people don’t know our thoughts, but God knows. He’s not angry or condemning, rather He is concerned and compassionate. Yet those thoughts grow if we don’t kill them.
We don’t always say what we’re thinking to people because, let’s be honest, we’re not always thinking good thoughts of them. While self-control is good, so is honesty with yourself. When your heart speaks differently than your mouth, it’s time to take it to the Lord.
How can a young man woman keep his way pure? By keeping your word.
Psalm 119:9
One way to plant good seeds into your heart is to read the Word daily. Then, allow the people around you to water those seeds through accountability. Finally, allow God to bring the growth by following His voice (or obeying His word) and avoid allowing the world in to it.
We can’t live out God’s word if we don’t know it. And we will struggle to keep a pure heart if we consistently allow ungodly things in.
Quoteworthy: “As used in Scripture, holiness describes both the majesty of God and the purity and moral perfection of His nature.” -Jerry Bridges
Walk in His Word: This week, make it a priority to get into the Word even for just 5-10 minutes everyday. Then, remain conscience of your thoughts. If you catch a thought that isn’t kind, take it to the Lord and then be intentional about thinking life of that person or situation. When you think life, you’re more likely to speak life. When you think the things you speak, you honor God, you honor the person, and you honor yourself with integrity and good character.
I love:
Psalm 119.
It is an incredible chapter that praises God’s Words and precepts and how good they are for us to walk in.
The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
This book offers many practical applications for living a pure or holy life. Just remember, we can’t work or earn our salvation. But we can honor and please God and love well by guarding our hearts and living out His Word.
Love You Lots!
Christin
ChristinSlade.com
Encouraging moms to savor the beauty of home & life in Christ
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