To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit to do anything good. – (Titus 1:15-16)
Paul’s words to Titus were strong and straightforward. Focus on God and His ways, and our hearts will be pure before Him. However, if we choose to act according to our own will, rather than His, we deny God, and are detestable in His sight. The very idea of being disobedient and unfit to do anything good, is a powerful reminder to keep our priorities in place. That being said, how do we keep our priorities in the proper place? Our relationship with Christ must come first. Philippians 4:8-9 says it this way: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
To keep our hearts,
pure before the Lord;
we must listen,
Spirit’s sounding board.
Focus on truth,
noble and what’s right;
the excellent,
our Savior’s delight.
All that is pure,
and admirable;
focus on these,
the desirable.
Daily practice,
doing all of these;
our heart’s shall know,
the Lord’s promised peace.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we seek You, we find You, as we seek with our whole heart. Thank You too, that despite the ugliness in the world around us, we are given countless opportunities to see that which is good, pure and lovely, because You dwell in us, and help us to see things through Your lens. Forgive us for fixing our eyes on that which is corrupt or callous, and help us instead to focus on all that You have for us to see. Give us Your eyes and heart with which to view the world. May we love as You love us, and may many come to know You personally, as a result. Be glorified, Lord Jesus, as we put into practice what You have taught us, and walk in the peace of Your presence. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.
They will celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness. – Psalm 145:7
Revelations In Writing 