This was a hymn we used to sing every week in the summer at the church I attended in my childhood days. The hymn title is Purer in Heart. We would sing it at the end of session we referred to as a ‘Missionary Meeting’. (Don’t ask … well don’t ask on this occasion, I’ll go into it on another occasion. Probably.)
So on the surface it’s a bit odd talking about being on mission and then ending it talking about having pure hearts. It at least appeared odd to me back in the day singing it. A couple of decades later and I remember the song very vividly and the sentiments of its lyrical content is a lot more poignant and meaningful for me now then it was those years ago.
Pure. Without any stain, without any smudge. No hint of corruption or distortion. It is what it is without any flavourings, colourings or preservatives. Not only that, but there is a beauty that radiates from the purity – something intensely attractive, but when appreciated properly the attraction is not to defile or desecrate, but to just celebrate it’s purity.
I can reel off a number of things that I’ve ruined. From decent meals and interesting conversations to meaningful relationships and superb initiatives. Ruined. Because when it came to the purity of it, I allowed pride and lust to mess things up.
That is why I am so grateful for the cleansing work of the Saviour. Cleansing from within and without. Every time my flaws and failings – my sins – goes in there and mucks it all up, His grace is greater, His forgiveness and His desire to restore and redeem all purifies. As each incident and episode of the inner me as the enemy threatens to mess things up, so His presence that lives within me reminds me that the pure in heart see God and the same Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead is able to make me clean. Make me pure. Make my thoughts only ever pure as they’re focused on the things of God.
Pure. Thoroughly and utterly clean. Delightful to take on in its brilliance because its essence just effuses purity. No hang-ups, no gossip, no backbiting, no complaining, no murmuring, no lusting, no pride, no messing, no nefarious hidden afendas. Just purity in every aspect.
There are some things that are pure worth reflecting on. Worth thinking about the love of the Father for you. Worth thinking about the good love that parents have for their children and siblings grow to develop and have for each other as they recognise their status in Christ. Worth thinking about those relationships that have remained pure over the years – those good friendships that have not allowed anything to sour things. Ahhh the purity of a joyful laugh echoed not because of someone’s misfortune, but because it really amazing how much He loves us and is willing to give us everything to live the kind of lives that reflect His character.
All of these hints to what awaits those whose minds stay on Him and think about Him and then sees how that impacts the rest of life.
I am a living witness that it doesn’t matter how badly things have been messed up, there is a love, a grace and a mercy that is far greater and able to wash all the stains of shame and guilt away to leave us in the state we were always created to live in. One where we will no longer have to ask God to help us be purer in heart. One for which we will simply be able to declare how we are …
Pure.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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