Fit to be Pure

 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8

Ok, this one sounds important... I'd better figure out what it means to have a pure heart. The greek word for pure is katharos. It refers to either cleaning soiled clothes, or an unwavering army free from cowardly, unwilling, and inefficient soldiers. Katharos is used in conjunction with the word akeratos. This is something that is unadulterated (like wine that's not diluted with water.)
Is it truly possible for us to do something with an absolute pure heart, free from any alternative motive? When we give, is it 100% pure, or is there some contentment in the self-approval or sacrifice made? Do we relish the credit we may receive? When we make a sacrifice or do something heroic, is it because we want others to see it?
On the news the other night, a 2 year old girl fell off a pier into icy water. A frenchmen nearby saw what happened, jumped in, and saved this little girls life. He didn't know her, he didn't even speak much english. The news didn't even give his name. I believe he had 100% pure motives. I think that an act like this is rare. Probably why it's included in the beatitudes. Jesus knew that it's hard for us to do things without the motivation of pay, prestige, or social pressure. To examine yourself and your motives can be pretty daunting and discouraging. Our society is built on satisfying other people's perception of success, happiness, and wealth. In short, we want to impress others.
Next, what does it mean to have the ability to "see God?" The other night, Adrian Fry, a professional ballet dancer from Portland, stayed with us. He was in Salt Lake auditioning for a spot with Ballet West, Utah's big dance company. I had THE BEST time asking him questions about all the in's and out's of being a professional ballet dancer. Our conversation turned to how hard it was that there are people who go to the ballet, opera, or any art gallery who aren't educated and can't appreciate the history, giftedness, and hard work that goes into it. Unfortunately, we are only able to see what we are FIT to see. I can go outside at night and look up at the stars and say "Wow, that's a lot of stars... cool." But an astronomer can go out and see constellations, galaxies, and give me a tour of the universe. It's because he is educated and fit to see this.
Having a pure heart makes us fit to see God. Sure, anyone can see hints and signs of God here and there... but knowledge, humility, unadulterated motives, and a pure heart make us fit to see God in all His glory.