Purity

 July 24, 2021

“Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? He who has…a pure heart.” —Psalm 24:4. If something is pure, it is undivided, unmixed with something other. Pure gold is 24 carat, unmixed with any other metal or impurity. What about a pure heart? What does that look like? I’ve often prayed for an undivided heart, but have I been willing for God to do whatever it takes to get there? Gold is purified by fire, burning away all the impurities, separating the gold from lesser metals. Hearts are purified by the fires of adversity that separate us from lesser loyalties that we may be wholeheartedly for God.

Entering the presence of God requires purity of heart. If my heart is divided by competing loyalties, by the distractions of media, entertainment, hobbies, activities, and even people who might interrupt those times God wants with me alone, I cannot expect to attain the hill, the mountain of the LORD. It’s important enough that if I do not eliminate competing loyalties, God may choose to force the issue and eliminate them himself. The Bible tells us that our God is a jealous God, brooking no competition—for our sake, not his. Divided loyalties prevent God from doing in us and for us all that is in his heart.

“Lord, reveal to me any and everything that is in competition for my loyalty and affection for you. I willingly yield all that I may ascend the hill of the LORD and enter your holy presence.”