Some theologians and pastors seem unwilling to suffer for righteousness. As you know there are a number of controversial issues in our day. As I watch ministers or leaders, it seems to me—especially when they are willing to change beliefs that have been maintained for years—that one of the factors is that they do not wish to suffer for righteousness sakes. It is one thing to be understanding, charitable in judgment to all, and open-minded; it is another for a Christian leader to sacrifice biblical teachings for little more than an adult version of peer pressure.

God’s benediction rests on you (you’ll have true happiness) if you are pure in heart. This blessing is not bestowed upon the intellectually keen or emotionally pious, but on those pure or clean in heart. Like poor “in spirit” pure is modified in this blessing by “in heart”—thus it does not refer to being ceremonially or morally clean. The heart, according to biblical imagery, is the center of the entire person. Thus we will be happy if the center of our whole person, the power plant or control central, is single-mindedly pursuing God. That’s the way to be happy. Purity of heart “may be defined as undivided affections, sincerity, genuineness, Godly simplicity. It is the opposite of subtlety and duplicity . . . purity of motives and intents.”[1] Pure means unmixed, un-combined, unadulterated.

Here’s a quick test of this singleness in purpose or purity in heart. “What do you think about when your mind slips into neutral?” To what do you pay consistent or inordinate allegiance? What do you want or love more than anything else? If the answers were God and his Kingdom, that is an evidence of being pure in heart. If not, maybe we need him to make our hearts pure.

The pure in heart do not enjoy distractions. They do not like to get off the path. They stick to their morality. Truth and purity are very important. We need more people like that.

The pure in heart also frequently reexamine their motives. When we work or serve at church is it because we want recognition or influence? Is our service to God for prestige? Do we wish to receive respect in return for our works? Are even our private devotions for less than noble reasons?

The pure in heart are given a great promise: “they will see God.” John 1:18 teaches that, “No one has ever seen God.” This reward promises to let the pure in heart see something never before viewed by human eyes. The object of their vision will be God. That should certainly make the believer happy. (Though it might terrify the unbelievers). If your purpose in life is undivided—to be pure in heart—you will be blessed by seeing God.

God calls you to a single-minded and pure-hearted love for him.

The next beatitude is possibly the most misunderstood of our times: “Blessed are the peace-makers.” This does not say “peace lovers,” those who avoid all conflict—it’s not easy-going indulgence. Jesus did not issue a blessing for the conflict-evaders, appeasers, or peace-at-any-pricers. The peace that Christ made was very costly—it did not come via compromise. Our Lord did not call us to overlook lies and try to put all faiths together. That would contradict the blessing to the pure in heart we just examined. Rather a peacemaker is one who actually makes peace between two persons or serves as an agent of reconciliation. This peacemaker lessens tension, seeks fair solutions, and ensures communication in human relationships. When we serve the Prince of Peace we take on—even if only in small measure—his character and desire to bring peace—not quarreling, dissension and confusion. Is that characteristic of you? Do the people who know you in church or in the world recognize that, if possible, you will do what you can to bring people together rather than pushing them apart? If so you’ll be happy and show forth the reality of your adoption by God.

In fact the promise for peace-making is that these ones “shall be called [because it describes reality] the sons of God.” The phrase “sons of God” means partaking of the Father’s nature because of a relationship with him.  It is to be God-like in nature. Thus peacemakers reflect their heavenly Father’s peace-making character. This is to be done primarily within the church.

If you are a peace-maker, three levels of blessing await you:

• Peace with God—knowing that you have pleased him and done the right thing.
• Peace with self—there is a joy of living in non-aggression. It is much more stressful and difficult to live in anxiety than in peace.
• Peace with others; that, too is a blessing.

Now this kind of peace does take work. It is never easy. Indeed, sometimes, you may have to commit yourself to a long regime of effort to resolve great difficulties, but it is worth it. The next time you have an opportunity to get angry, stop to see if God can’t provide a peace-making solution. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you.

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