So, when our hearts are pure that means that not only are we thinking pure thoughts and saying pure things but we have pure, clean, righteous desires. Our intentions and motives are pure and without guile or deceit. Our affections are continually on the Lord and His plans and purposes. Last but most certainly not least, our attitudes are pure.
What does it mean to have a pure attitude?
Personally, I think a pure attitude is summed up in pretty clear terms by one of my all-time favorite quotes. (I have said this many, many, many times).
"An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is an adventure wrongly considered." -Gilbert K. Chesterton
How are we considering the things around us? How are we reacting to the unexpected catastrophes that always seem to happen and the everyday mistakes that everyone makes - including ourselves?
Are we grumpy and frustrated? Pessimistic or easily irritable? Irked and ready to give up?
OR, are we optimistic? Cheerful? Happy and energetic? Eager to overcome challenges? Ready to face whatever the day may bring because we know that our hearts are in the right place and we are on the Lord's side? (If so, we know that, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" - Romans 8:31)
I will go so far as to say that if we have a bad attitude about something, our hearts are not in the right place nor are our hearts on and with the Lord in all things.
(Believe me, this is calling me to repentance!)
As I have studied this definition of the word 'heart', I have learned invaluable lessons, especially through the scriptures. If we "liken all scriptures unto [ourselves]" as Nephi suggested in Nephi 19:23, these are some of the glorious insights we get into the word 'heart' as given by Elder Bednar:
"Blessed are the pure in heart (desire, motive, intention, affection and attitude): for they shall see God."
Matthew 5:8
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart (desires, motives, intentions, affections, and attitudes) be also."
Matthew 6:21
"...this people draw near unto me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their hearts (desires, motives, intentions, affections and attitudes) far from me..."
2 Nephi 27:25
"Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart (desires, motives, intentions, affections and attitudes), might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day."
D&C 4:2
See that you serve Him with all your desires, all your motives, all your intentions, all your affections, all your attitudes. Make sure that you serve Him in ALL that you do. No matter what, no matter when or where, serve The Lord our God.
One of my personal favorites is Jacob 3:1-2.
"But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart (desire, motive, intention, affection and attitude). Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.
O all ye that are pure in heart (desire, motive, intention, affection and attitude), lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever."
Jacob 3:1-2
The scriptures are amazing! Goodness! I just love them so much!
How grateful I am for the blessing of having the restored Church of Jesus Christ upon the earth today. This is Christ's only true church upon the face of the earth and the people that He has called to lead His church are inspired. They are to lead us through these difficult and challenging times. However, it is completely up to us to take their advice and counsel.
Let us remember this simple definition of a simple word given by a servant of the Lord. As we do so, our hearts (!) will be softened, our wills become more aligned with God's, and our families more united in the common cause of coming unto Christ.
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