A Clean Heart

The Bible is very clear that we are to pay attention to our hearts. The Word often refers to believers having a pure heart. A pure heart is about our inner purity and blamelessness; character which puts a focus on God.

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10 NIV)

“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.” (Proverbs 22:11 NIV)

“Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8 NIV)

The Heart and Your Spiritual Walk

What does having a pure heart mean in the context of our spiritual walk with God? Why the heart? The heart represents our inner being; it represents our moral character. If the moral character is not pure, can we be open to hearing God’s words; are we open to accepting the direction he has for our lives? The Bible says,

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9 NIV)

“The wise in heart accept commands, but the chattering fool comes to ruin.” (Proverbs 10;8 NIV)

So, our hearts play a critical role in God’s plan for our lives. The Bible is clear that the Holy Spirit cannot dwell in an unclean vessel so that is yet another factor in us having a pure and clean heart. The Holy Spirit is our connection to God, our comforter and our strength. The Bible is also clear that we must trust in God with all of our heart. (Proverbs 3:5)

The Heart Before Outward Appearance

Think about when Samuel went to find God’s chosen one to replace Saul on the throne.

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV)

God does not care if you adorn yourself in the finest of garments; your outward appearance is for the world. We ladies like to dress in our finest, but God does not  see or care about that. His only concern is our heart posture which is of and for him. Your heart is where God hides his word; it is where he gives you discernment. The heart is where you can distinguish between what is good and what is evil. It is how you align your perspective with God’s.

“Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.” (Proverbs 16:20-21 NIV)

“Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools. The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.” (Proverbs 16:22-23 NIV)

As Your Heart Goes, So Goes Your Words

How we speak to one another is often a reflection of our heart. If we speak words of encouragement and pour into one another that is a reflection of our heart posture and our relationship with God. The Bible clearly identifies the connection between the heart and the spoken word.

“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts – murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; . . . .” (Matthew 15:18 NIV)

“To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:1-2 NIV)

“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” (Romans 10:10 NIV)

Guard Your Heart

I now have a deeper appreciation when I read the words in the Bible which state we must guard our heart.

“. . . turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:20-23 NIV)

Just as the heart is critical to our body’s health, it is critical to our spiritual health as well. The word of God is clear; pay attention to your heart, care for it so that God can order your steps. Through the words God puts in your heart, you will find your purpose. Always, listen for his words which he buries in your heart.

Your heart is truly your connection to God.

Also see my post entitled, Live Your Purpose