Wednesday, October 26, 2011 

“…and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” James 4:8b

In today’s devotion we’ll be looking at the 5th command:

1. “Purify your hearts”–  If “cleanse” is on the outside, then “purify” speaks to the inner person.

The person who is called to purify their hearts is the “double minded.”  This is the 2nd time that “double minded” people have been refered to in James. (1:8).

Our hearts are so critical to a right relationship with God.  Jesus said that our heart is what controls our mouths/words.  (Matthew 12:34).  Solomon told us that out of the heart flow the issues of life.  Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”  Paul tells Timothy to “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

The inside of us is what controls and motivates the outside of us.  When our heart is right with God we will do and speak the kind of things that please God.  The problem is we can’t do it on our own.  God is willing to help us get clean, but we must be willing.

Application:

Is there something that you need to confess to God today?  Is there something you need to confess to someone else?  “Wherewithall shall a young man cleanse his way?  By taking heed thereto according to thy word.”  Psalm 119:9.  What are some ways we let God’s Word cleanse us?