I was once told that I had a pure heart.
Granted, this was from a Nigerian man sitting in front of me on a plane to Ukraine after only a short discussion on my life and dreams.
And, certainly, I would love to say this is true about myself, but rather than pridefully (and hypocritically) claim it, I will set it as a goal. His words inspired me to think about this idea of purity.
What is purity, especially that of the heart?
My Christian upbringing would tell me that it is an aversion to sexual sin and physical desires: a life unpolluted by worldly cravings. But I think it is something much more than that.
First, (a small rabbit trail, here) I think sexuality is overdramatized by most of the population, regardless of religious beliefs. Contrary to popular belief, sex is neither the epitome of evil nor the utmost goal that one can achieve. It is simply a biological process that is, yes, very vital to our society and personal lives, but really should not be the only aspect of humanity that dictates that one is pure or has a pure heart.
Second, I think purity is something deeper: something we cannot fully understand or achieve. And purity is not always white and clean. Something can be pure gold or pure mud. Pure alcohol, pure blood.
What then is a pure heart - a purity of the soul? I think it is an individual trait. Purity shows that someone is not in conflict: a trait that is certainly unattainable. One cannot be purely good, purely beautiful, nor purely wise without conflict, because we are purely human, and humans have this annoying tendency to cause or live amidst conflict.
Philosophers will debate what it means to be fully human. For me, I think we each must decide what it means to be purely human, and I have decided to pursue goodness, beauty, and wisdom. If someone is as good enough to say that I have a pure heart, I might as well try to prove them right.
Perhaps such a decision or such a hope is what that Nigerian man saw in me. I hope I live a life worthy of this gracious compliment. One thing is for sure: the conflicts of the future will give me ample opportunity to practice.
Granted, this was from a Nigerian man sitting in front of me on a plane to Ukraine after only a short discussion on my life and dreams.
And, certainly, I would love to say this is true about myself, but rather than pridefully (and hypocritically) claim it, I will set it as a goal. His words inspired me to think about this idea of purity.
What is purity, especially that of the heart?
My Christian upbringing would tell me that it is an aversion to sexual sin and physical desires: a life unpolluted by worldly cravings. But I think it is something much more than that.
First, (a small rabbit trail, here) I think sexuality is overdramatized by most of the population, regardless of religious beliefs. Contrary to popular belief, sex is neither the epitome of evil nor the utmost goal that one can achieve. It is simply a biological process that is, yes, very vital to our society and personal lives, but really should not be the only aspect of humanity that dictates that one is pure or has a pure heart.
Second, I think purity is something deeper: something we cannot fully understand or achieve. And purity is not always white and clean. Something can be pure gold or pure mud. Pure alcohol, pure blood.
What then is a pure heart - a purity of the soul? I think it is an individual trait. Purity shows that someone is not in conflict: a trait that is certainly unattainable. One cannot be purely good, purely beautiful, nor purely wise without conflict, because we are purely human, and humans have this annoying tendency to cause or live amidst conflict.
Philosophers will debate what it means to be fully human. For me, I think we each must decide what it means to be purely human, and I have decided to pursue goodness, beauty, and wisdom. If someone is as good enough to say that I have a pure heart, I might as well try to prove them right.
Perhaps such a decision or such a hope is what that Nigerian man saw in me. I hope I live a life worthy of this gracious compliment. One thing is for sure: the conflicts of the future will give me ample opportunity to practice.
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