“To see [God], though, you must be pure in heart . . . beholding him in prayer and stillness. The pure in heart are more known for their God-attentiveness than their sin avoidance. In fact, fixing our attention and affection on God is the most powerful strategy for defeating sin.”- Rich Villodas
“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.”- Psalm 27:4 (NIV)
Rich Villodas continues Chapter 2 of The Narrow Path as he explores the next two beatitudes and considers the implications for our lives.
6. Blessed are the pure in heart (Matthew 5:8). In this beatitude, Rich notes, Jesus’ kingdom calls us to singlemindedness. Certainly, narrowness doesn’t close our eyes to the real world. Rather, like using a telescope, when we narrow our focus, we expand our vision.
Of course, we tend to view purity of heart through the lens of moralism. But the purity Jesus primarily speaks about in this verse makes God the single focus of our hearts and affection.
7. Blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). Peacemakers work for the right relationships at the expense of their comfort. However, Rich notes, we usually opt not to choose this route. In addition, we also fail to understand the real meaning of this beatitude. Above all, Rich stresses, Jesus does not say “Blessed are the peacekeepers.”
Because a great difference exists between peacekeeping and peacemaking. In peacekeeping, one tries not to rock the boat. Hence, it’s superficial, ensuring that no one gets upset. That’s not real peace.
Furthermore, sooner or later, chaos — not peace — occurs. In contrast, peacemakers often face conflict. In fact, sometimes they create conflict.
Finally, Rich exhorts:
“Paradoxically, to make peace means entering a war. The peace of God uproots the exploitive schemes of evil, and that evil won’t back down without a fight.”
Today’s question: Do you most often try to make peace or keep peace? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The most blessed people on earth”