Characteristics of the Person God Uses (Part 2)
Remember the “Holiness” article from last week? We said that “the condition of your heart will affect your actions, and your actions will reflect your heart.” Well, this week we look at the second trait of a person used of God, “A Pure Heart.” Pure means “to be without impurities.” A pure heart is one solely committed to Christ first and foremost. But how can one be pure? Through confession of and repentance from sin. No matter how popular one may be, the lack of a repentant spirit reveals the rebellious heart of a prideful person who refuses to admit his sins. A person with pride will never see himself or herself as they are; nor will they acknowledge the cracks in their life. It’s always someone else and not ME!
Matthew 5:8 tells us, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” The word sincere is closely associated with purity. It comes from the Latin phrase “sine cere,” meaning “without wax.” Wax was often used to cover or fill in cracks in pottery, which camouflaged the imperfections so it could be sold as undamaged. Under the test of fire, the wax would melt and reveal the impurities. Did you know that if you want to approach Him, we must do so with “clean hands and a pure heart” according to Psalm 24:4.
The Lord does not look at things as man does. “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” This simply tells us that the “pure in heart” are precious gems of great value and are useful to God.
~ Bro. Nichols
