Holy Boldness

and therefore they are being progressively prepared to look into the face of the incomparably beautiful God. The pure in heart see beauty and glory and even the face of God when others only see the natural. They are authentic and genuinely want to please God. This attitude changes the way they interface with everything. Therefore, what they encounter in life is different from what others do. They encounter God wherever they go. Purity of heart comes through transparency of trust. Trust is the foundation for love. Love draws one ever deeper into oneness. The pure in heart trust and therefore they see more of the intention of God. This is their reward. They have entered into a realm of communion that is rare. Frankly, there is no greater reward than this. Beatitude #8: Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness… for great is their reward. There is a kind of “righteousness” that is repulsive to Christians and non-Christians alike. It is self-righteousness. Often these kinds of people get persecuted and they think it is for God. However, they fail to display every other beatitude listed. They are not humble or meek or merciful. Instead, they are obnoxious busybodies looking for a fight that make the real job of being “salt and light” more difficult. They only muddy the waters and obscure the light of Jesus. They are critical of everything and everybody. They are the faultfinders and the “accusers of the brethren.” They are not peacemakers. They are not pure in heart. They are excessively religious and out to make a name for themselves. But there is a company of righteous men and women that bring honor and blessing to all who long for the truth. They do not seek to draw attention to themselves but they do get noticed and by some, they get persecuted. Persecution always comes by degrees. At first subtle hints of disapproval are communicated when someone takes an unpopular stand. Eventually, the hints escalate to direct contradiction or confrontation. The person who lives in the fear of the Lord does not conform to public opinion because they are not looking for public approval.

Why is persecution a reality for the truly righteous?

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