How’s Your Focus?

What does it mean to have a pure heart?

We use the word “heart” today to refer to our emotions. We might say, “My mind tells me one thing, but my heart tells me another.” We tend to equate the heart with gut-level reactions, emotions, and feelings.

In contrast, we think of our minds as more logical. The Bible, however, doesn’t make these distinctions. The heart, mind, and will are intertwined.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8 NKJV). This statement is part of the Beatitudes, and each beatitude connects to the others.

Jesus also said, “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22–23 NKJV).

When the Bible speaks of purity of heart, it means purity of logic. It means purity of will. It basically means that purity is permeating our lives. It also speaks of those who have a singular focus, who know where they’re going.

From the original language, the word “pure” could be translated into “single” or “without hypocrisy.”

The apostle Paul wrote, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do” (Philippians 3:13 NKJV). And David said, “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek” (Psalm 27:4 NKJV). He also prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10 NKJV).

Purity is having a singular purpose. When you’re pure in heart, you’ll have a singular, clear focus in life.