The Psalmist asks and answers a very important question: “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully” (Psalm 24:3-4). God is speaking of both outward and inward purity. In James 4:8, James is calling on us to get rid of inward and outward impurities: “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse (your) hands, ye sinners; and purify (your) hearts, (ye) double minded.” If you and I are going to gain and maintain purity of heart, we can’t coast along dreamily wishing for a miracle of purity to suddenly and dramatically make us pure. Looking to Jesus for help, we need to be exposed to things that intensify our desire for purity. For example, we need to let the Word search our hearts and let the Holy Spirit generate a desire for holiness of heart and life. We need to be dedicated; we must be fully committed to the pursuit of spiritual purity. We must be determined. It’s in our nature to “lose steam,” if we don’t see results quickly. Therefore, “Never give up!” Keep on keeping on! Also, we must be disciplined. The will, motivated by the Word, must overcome obstacles and not be swayed by discouragement and doubts. Let our hearts and wills be like that of Charles H. Gabriel as expressed in his hymn, “More Like the Master I Would Ever Be.” May his desire find echo in our hearts and lives: “More like the Master I would ever be, more of His meekness, more humility; more zeal to labor, more courage to be true, more consecration for work He bids me do. Take Thou my heart, I would be Thine alone; take Thou my heart and make it all Thine own. Purge me from sin, O Lord, I now implore, wash me and keep me Thine forevermore.” Selah! If we don’t take holiness and purity seriously, why would an unsaved person bother to consider what Jesus might have to offer? Ron
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