Blessed the clean of heart, for they will see God (Matthew 5:8).
By means of both His words and actions, Jesus teaches that motivations and intentions determine personal cleanliness.
- Why are we doing something?
- Are we doing it to be noticed and seen or to honor Jesus as Lord, Savior and Messiah?
- Is it more trying to make a popular impression with others or to be impressed by God’s love?
In the biblical literature, “heart” is neither a flesh pump nor a sentiment. It refers to the whole person and their total interaction with those whom they encounter – mind, body and soul. Heart is the core of the person, the real self, the authentic self, the place of animation. Biblical “heart” is akin to what philosophers call “soul”.
Motivations and intentions arise from one’s heart. And lest we forget, even when hidden from others, they always are known perfectly to the Living God.
Why we do it is as crucial as what we do.
Heart reveals authenticity and genuineness. It is our center, our core. Cleanliness is so much more than nice words and kind actions. Christian living has nary a thing to do with looking good – it is all about actually being good. A sincere and resolute commitment to serving God in every way makes a person clean and pure.
The opposite of cleanliness really is hypocrisy.
A heart clean and pure no longer is beholden by the whims of others, it no longer is intoxicated by sweet-talk, flattery and superficiality. Free at last, a clean and pure heart is driven to recognize God’s power and presence in ordinary experience.
Cleanliness of heart is a life well lived and boldly professes, “He [Jesus] must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30).
