M-G: 1.14.11 // Be Careful How You Think, Matthew 5:8

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The heart is the seat of the intellect, emotions, and will. Those who think, speak, and act without hypocrisy do so only from a pure heart. Outward behavior is a mirror of the inner life. This is why King Solomon warned, “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts” (Proverbs 4:23, TEV). Here in the sixth beatitude (be-attitude) practical holiness is in view.

Those who are positionally holy through salvation will exercise practical or progressive holiness, maturing in the faith, and becoming more Christ-like every day. God hardwired our human nature so that genuine happiness is not possible apart from Christ. True and lasting spiritual happiness is found only in purity of heart or holiness. Anyone or anything outside the will of God only leaves the heart in a vacuum or with a gaping hole that cannot be filled. The ache from this heart-sick condition never leaves without the only remedy - submission to the will of God.

Salvation is the only basis for seeing God. We who are saved will see God one day in heaven. Presently, we can “see” God now, not physically, but through the eyes of faith through our experiences: worshiping, praying, fellowshipping, serving, and watching in the daily routines of life. Personal holiness, according to God’s standards, is the only way to true happiness and enjoying His presence. “Pursue … holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Heb 12:14); you and I will be happier for it! <><

Our thoughts always precede our actions.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.                                                             

 – Helen H. Lemmel, 1922