“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (NASB).

A valuable but slightly tarnished object is given to you and it lies before you on a table. As light is directed and shines on this object … the quality, makeup and nature of the material in the object is revealed and some slight flaws become noticeable. In the light, a true assessment can be made about the value of the object and if the flaws can be removed, repaired or polished to reinstate the original luster of the object.

A focused and directed honesty is absolutely required in the assessment of the object and in the effort needed for the restoration of the valuable object in your possession. Our lives are of great value and they are of precious substance since they were created in and by the purposeful intent to be in the image of God. Yet we have some flaws in us by the marring that has come about by our selfishness and sin.

God can polish and correct all the imperfections in us, but only when we allow by our honest assessment … His masterful removal, repair and restoration of our lives. The purity of our lives cannot totally come from some kind of masterful ascetic and devoted intention, although we are encouraged to live purposeful holy lives (1 Peter 1:19). In a deeper way, we must allow the light of truth to shine on our hearts and we must claim our shortcomings. This awareness allows our hearts to be purified through both the recognition of our created substance and the failures in our living. We will then see God as both the Creator in our makeup and purpose and the Restorer beyond all the marring that has come through our sinful failures. In this place of humble awareness, we will see our constant and ongoing desperate need for God. It is the honest heart that is purified. It is the honest heart that stays pure and it is the honest heart that sees God.

“O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8, NIV).

Suggested Scripture Reading … Psalm 62