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

What does it mean to be pure in heart?  Does it mean that I must be perfect in all that I think and do?  We may try to strive for purity, but we are not perfect, and we are not going to attain perfection in this life! 

In the story of Mary and Martha, Luke 10:38-42, Jesus is not telling Martha that all of her preparations and organization are unimportant.  He says, ⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one.^[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

I can easily relate to Martha.  I have to consciously tell myself at times to stop, be a Mary, and choose what is important.  It’s easy to become distracted with “things” that need to be done, even while in prayer.  If I can unite all of my actions towards my relationship with Jesus, (singleness of heart) then my day will flow as acts of worship, always bringing my attention back to Jesus, not burdens that distract me from my real purpose in life.