Upper Loft Meditation - Matthew 5

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” - Matthew 5:7

Here is a standard that cannot be reached by a self-help program. The word pure has two meanings: cleansing from filth and to be unmixed, having no double allegiance. No matter how hard you try, the standard is too high. Jeremiah says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure” (17:9).

In the saving work of Jesus we are given a pure heart. It is the gift of God and the work of the Spirit.

The journey of faith requires good management of our new heart.

• Guard your heart and avoid evil.
  “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
• Monitor your input. This is more than just saying “NO!”
  “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)
  It is pursuing and may involve fleeing.
• Test your output. Ask God to search your heart.(Ps. 139:23-24)
  “As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.” (Proverbs 27:19)
• Regular Cleaning
  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

It is through God’s gift of a pure heart that we will see God clearly in all his glory. When was your last heart check-up?