Pure in Heart

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”  Matthew 5:8

Most Americans know Michael Phelps has the record for most career gold medals in an Olympic career and the most golds at a single Olympic games.  You may remember that he broke Mark Spitz’ record.  Phelps’ workout regime and diet became famous in the wake of his record-setting performance.  He swam fifty miles per week, lifted weights and ran.  He ate about 8-10,000 calories per day, about four times what a normal American consumes.  All this in the pursuit of Olympic glory.  Phelps clearly put all his heart, mind and soul into being the best swimmer he could possibly be.  

When I was young, my dream was to be a major league baseball player.  I spent untold hours throwing balls off the back steps and fielding ground balls.  Alas, by high school, it became obvious that my lack of athleticism would hurt my chances.  Whether we reach our dreams or not, if they are earthly goals, they will ultimately come to nothing.  Few remember whose record Spitz broke, and I’ll wager that in fifty years, Spitz and Phelps will be forgotten.   

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

What are the treasures we can store up in heaven? Jesus does not say it plainly, I think because we are not supposed to focus on the reward, but I believe when we love our neighbors as Jesus loves us, going the second mile, turning the other cheek, and blessing those who persecute us, through the power of the Holy Spirit, our enemies are transformed into brothers and sisters.  That is the treasure that will last forever.  

That is what it looks like to have a heart focused only on God.  What might it look like if I could follow a Christian version of Michael Phelps’ workout?  How would my day be filled?  Thinking of others before myself, praying without ceasing, with a heart of gratitude in all circumstances, meditating on his Word day and night, singing songs of praise.  I wonder if I could keep to that purpose even for one day?  Maybe just today.  Tomorrow has trouble enough.