Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. ~ Matthew 5:8
READING: I Corinthians 6:9-11
If the non-Christian world were to write a beatitude, it might be “Happy are the promiscuous, for they will be fulfilled.” Sadly, that reflects the values of many of the world’s cultures. Such a sentiment is bankrupt of truth. It is the devil’s lie. Only the prescription given by Jesus leads to true happiness.
New churches reach people whose lives are mired in sin and stained with impurity. The blood of Jesus frees and cleanses them, but they need ongoing training from God’s Word to learn how to walk according to the truth. And they need their pastoral leadership to model purity.
In the Bible, purity means clean from sin, but also sincerity and transparency. Jesus promised that the pure in heart will see God. They will experience God’s presence and blessing in ways that those who regularly succumb to temptation cannot.
So how can we fight for holiness in our own lives as leaders? First, live in God’s justifying love. “You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (I Cor. 6:11).
Second, immerse yourself in God’s Word (cf. Ps. 119:9, 11). Reading, memorizing, studying, and obeying the Bible is essential.
Third, flee sin and pursue holiness. “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (II Tim. 2:22).
And lastly, confess sin immediately and come back to God when you stumble (cf. I Jn. 1:9). As we learn to walk in purity, we will be able to lead our people in a deeper walk in holiness.
Lord, I want to have a clear vision of You; show me how to walk in purity. Amen.
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