102 14 Habits of Highly Effective Disciples
of the Ark of the Covenant from Kiriath Jearim to Jerusalem (see
2 Samuel 6). In any case, these verses are a strong affirmation of the
sovereignty of God as king. Drawing upon the imagery of Genesis 1,
the psalmist rightly recognizes God as the founder and establisher of
the earth. Moreover, “the Lord”, the most personal name for God used
throughout the Old Testament, is the sustainer of both the material
world and all of its inhabitants.
A proper perspective of God is the foundation for purity. The sov-
ereignty of God should lead the disciple to worship him as the One
who is worthy. Worship then becomes the fuel enabling the disciple
to consistently seek purity. The pursuit of purity without consistent
heart-overf lowing worship results in legalism. Purity after all is not the
achievement of an externalized set of actions, but the wisdom to live in
a God-honoring manner in the midst of ever-changing culture. Purity
is a state of being, a condition of the heart firmly established by regular
personal and corporate worship in light of a high view of the sovereignty
and worthiness of God as Maker, Sustainer, and Redeemer.
The Conditions for a Habit of Purity (Psalm 24:3–4)
24:3–4. Psalm 24 is categorized as “antiphonic” meaning the questions
found in verse 3 were likely chanted in worship by a Levitical choir with
verse 4 as the intended response. This is underscored by the recognition
that the original temple was built on Mount Zion and required a physi-
cal ascent. There is however a deeper spiritual reality. The discipline of
purity begins with an inward recognition of the true condition of one’s
hands and heart. It can be painful to honestly examine oneself. We must
acknowledge not who we were at one time, nor who we wish we were or
hope to become, but rather who we actually are. This inward examina-
tion is essential for purity.
Verse 4 offers four descriptive qualifiers for the disciple seeking
purity. “Clean hands” refers to right actions and an innocence of action,
in a society saturated with violence and wrongdoing. A “pure heart”
extends purity to right attitudes and innocence in thought and purpose
(see also Psalm 51:10, Matthew 5:8). The third qualifier, “does not lift
up his soul to an idol,” signifies a refusal on the part of the disciple to
place his/her trust in anything transitory. Disciples choose the one and
only eternal God above any man-made impostor. To right actions, right