Purity runs the gamut from the physical to the metaphysical – from the personal to the impersonal. Herein, I will limit the discussion to the positive, e.g. pure good as opposed to pure evil. Physically or chemically speaking, we’re are talking about something that is unadulterated or uncontaminated, i.e. a single substance, without reference to its utility. Metaphysically, we’re dealing with the honorable, wholesome, moral, undistracted, etc. In between, the chemical and the metaphysical are the outcomes or actions that are produced.
The Physical
Yet, with purity, we are speaking, physically, of something, not the absence of anything. There is some question as to whether a pure vacuum, i.e. nothingness, can even be achieved. In the laboratory, one can pump out almost everything from a chamber, but not quite all of its contents. The void of outer space is cited as the standard for pure vacuum or nothingness, though if that is the case, wherein resides the dark matter and energy that some scientists have described as the “Invisible Hand of God” that is holding our universe together? Chemical purity is essential for life, e.g., the water and air in our environment and unadulterated food, being a few examples. Those of us who are parents and grandparents may recall giving children pure foods for their health and well being — with purity providing a sense of what is best.
Light
Light is interesting, as it bridges purity from the physical to the metaphysical. It has a dual nature to physicists, being described as matter and/or energy, depending on the situation. A beam of light is pure. It is only made visible by “impurities” in the media through which it is moving. When used to describe clarity of thought, often resulting in speech, “shedding light” on something means to purify the understanding of that item. Unfortunately, a lot of energy (work) can be spent towards some end, without producing many benefits (light). Let’s choose enlightenment over just producing heat.
The Metaphysical
An examination of purity in the metaphysical realm is much more fascinating. Recalling the previous post on character, which of these two elements, purity or character, is of a “higher” order? Does one lead to or produce the other? From my viewpoint, character seems to be better described as a beneficial outcome or behavior from someone of purity. Purity of thought is the cause of beneficial effects. The most obvious effect is wholesome speech. Imagine the relationships that could be built upon “love and purity.”
How does purity present itself in someone’s actions? From the Biblical worldview, we find some excellent examples: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. If one can train or reign in his thoughts with these nine attributes, he should see some amazing outcomes – count these “nine” before reacting to some situation. In “create in me a pure heart, O God”, heart is meant, in the Hebrew sense, as the soul, i.e., the mind, will, and emotion.
The ability to exhibit these nine attributes comes from God, as they are manifestations of His character. He is the One who gives us the grace to reflect Him as these attributes are demonstrated in this world. As we grow to become more like Him, we grow to be purer. A pure soul (metaphysical) will drive the person (physical) to behaviors that will improve lives. To make music in your heart is a tenet of my worldview – how about yours?
