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Pure in Heart
"Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God." This simple statement comprehends the ultimate reward God offers us- the gift of eternal life. But what does it really mean to be pure in heart, and how does one attain such a state of righteousness? In this book Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, addresses these paramount questions, sharing insight and enrichment from the scriptures, from modern prophets, and from personal experiences. Emphasizing the significance of thoughts rather than of actions alone, the author examines the interdependent mental processes that make up the inner motives, desires, and attitudes. Stimulating chapters on motives and desires stress that "we must not only do what is right. We must act for the right reasons." Why? Because "we will ultimately be judged and rewarded for what we are. And what we are is the sum total of our good and our evil actions and desires." Materialism, pride and spirituality- all formed from attitudes- are examined in a discussion that strongly emphasizes the need to place spiritual considerations above temporal ones. In the same vein Elder Oaks searchingly describes the mental attitude necessary to true worship of God. His final chapter focuses on what we must do to become pure in heart- to "cleanse the inner vessel," as President Ezra Taft Benson put it. Pure in Heart is a clear, forthright book that offers authoritative penetrating commentary on this prerequisite to eternal life and helpful guidelines on how to attain it.
166 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1988
24 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Dallin H. Oaks
41 books65 followersDallin Harris Oaks is an American attorney, jurist and religious leader. Since 1984, he has been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). He is a former professor of law at the University of Chicago Law School, a former president of Brigham Young University, and a former justice of the Utah Supreme Court. In the 1970s and 1980s, Republican U.S. presidential administrations considered him as a potential nominee to the United States Supreme Court. Currently, he is the second most senior apostle among the ranks of the Church.
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March 26, 2012
Wonderful book! Elder Oaks talks about the importance of "clean hands" and a "pure heart" as taught in Psalms, signifying actions and thoughts and desires that are pure and holy and that we are looking to God in all things. He reminds us that actions are easy to change, while the more important focus should be on purifying our thoughts and desires. We must honestly consider our motives, priorities and attitudes. God knows our thoughts and will judge us by them as well.
We must have real intent in following God and His will for us....as we serve and worship Him and our fellowmen. The best reason to serve is out of pure love and charity for our fellowmen. We must avoid materialism and pride in all forms. We must have no other Gods before our Heavenly Father. We must be humble and know that He knows best. We should not compare ourselves to others or think that we know better than Him or anyone else, for that matter. Humility is key to spirituality and having a pure heart.
This book helped me see how important it is that we focus on the most important things in life--those of eternal significance. I stumbled upon a scripture this week that also taught this principle, Doctrine & Covenants 11:5-11, "Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion. Seek not for riches but for wisdom; and, behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich. Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me so it shall be done unto you; and, if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation."
I am grateful for the clear reminder of the importance of a pure heart and focusing our desires and thoughts and priorities on the Lord and His will!
We must have real intent in following God and His will for us....as we serve and worship Him and our fellowmen. The best reason to serve is out of pure love and charity for our fellowmen. We must avoid materialism and pride in all forms. We must have no other Gods before our Heavenly Father. We must be humble and know that He knows best. We should not compare ourselves to others or think that we know better than Him or anyone else, for that matter. Humility is key to spirituality and having a pure heart.
This book helped me see how important it is that we focus on the most important things in life--those of eternal significance. I stumbled upon a scripture this week that also taught this principle, Doctrine & Covenants 11:5-11, "Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion. Seek not for riches but for wisdom; and, behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich. Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me so it shall be done unto you; and, if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation."
I am grateful for the clear reminder of the importance of a pure heart and focusing our desires and thoughts and priorities on the Lord and His will!
March 13, 2009
The Inner Man is the title of chapter 1. It tells us "those that would ascend and stand in the ultimate holy place, must have "clean hands, and a pure heart." In understanding how to have clean hands and a pure heart "motive" is explored and offers many answers.
In chapter 7 it tells us that the pure in heart have a distinctive way of looking at life and that their attitudes and desires cause them to view their experiences in terms of eternity suggesting that there is spiritual meaning in all human acts and earthly events.
The chapter that for me was the most important was chapter 3, Why We Serve. This chapter alone is well worth reading this book for and is one to re read often. It presents a priority of reasons starting with "Earthly Reward". It is explained as service for the sake of riches and honor. The second lowest in the priority of reasons is "Good Companionship" followed by "Fear of Punishment", "Duty or Loyalty", "Hope of Reward", and the sixth reason and the highest of all "Charity".
It concludes the review of reasons for why we serve telling us "If our service is to be most efficacious, it must be unconcerned with self and heedless of personal advantage. It must be accomplished for the love of God and the love of his children".
Chapter 9 concludes saying that "the issue is not what we have done but what we have become. It says that what we have become is the result of more than our actions instead being the result of our attitudes, our motives, and our desires each being an ingredient of the pure heart.
In chapter 7 it tells us that the pure in heart have a distinctive way of looking at life and that their attitudes and desires cause them to view their experiences in terms of eternity suggesting that there is spiritual meaning in all human acts and earthly events.
The chapter that for me was the most important was chapter 3, Why We Serve. This chapter alone is well worth reading this book for and is one to re read often. It presents a priority of reasons starting with "Earthly Reward". It is explained as service for the sake of riches and honor. The second lowest in the priority of reasons is "Good Companionship" followed by "Fear of Punishment", "Duty or Loyalty", "Hope of Reward", and the sixth reason and the highest of all "Charity".
It concludes the review of reasons for why we serve telling us "If our service is to be most efficacious, it must be unconcerned with self and heedless of personal advantage. It must be accomplished for the love of God and the love of his children".
Chapter 9 concludes saying that "the issue is not what we have done but what we have become. It says that what we have become is the result of more than our actions instead being the result of our attitudes, our motives, and our desires each being an ingredient of the pure heart.
January 13, 2019
This was really a great book. I did a lot of underlining (actually cutting and pasting into my Evernote folder). Elder Oaks comes across for some as too serious or authoritative but I've always admired his knowledge and wisdom. In this book he does a great job referencing scriptures, expounding them, quoting other general authorities and sharing a few stories. I was really thinking and pondering what I could do to have more of a pure heart and this book was an answer to prayer. Now I need to be diligent in referring back to my notes to stay on top of all his suggestions and insights.
February 19, 2020
Wonderful content in this one. Lots of focus on self reflecting and identifying our desires, as well as our motives for why we do things. I really loved the parts about pride. Elder Oaks explains that the only times we are able to have pride in ourselves, is when we are comparing ourselves with someone else less fortunate. That was very opening to me. It is so true. In every circumstance in which we find ourselves gossiping, or judging another, it is always in some way—big or small, in an effort to life ourselves up above them. When we can recognize this, we are more aware and able to put an end to this bad habit and way of thinking.
I also loved the parts on withholding judgement towards others. The example Elder Oaks gave on this subject was extremely enlightening. He talked about two different kinds men. One was active in the church, but mostly just so that he could get financial gain from socializing with those who were there and therefore getting them to do business with him later. Another man was not active, but loved the Lord and served Him daily. Elder Oaks explained that it would be very easy for the second man to be in perfect standing with God, and that attending church was only a very small change he would have to make. Whereas for the first man, a lot of difficult change and re-evaluation would have to occur within his heart in order to be in perfect standing with God.
I loved this example because it really paints the picture of the importance of what’s in our hearts. God knows us deeply and intimately, and it is only His right to judge us. We should spend our time here on earth expanding our ability to love God with all our hearts, might, mind, and strength, while also serving and loving His children, and save the judgement for him.
I also loved the parts on withholding judgement towards others. The example Elder Oaks gave on this subject was extremely enlightening. He talked about two different kinds men. One was active in the church, but mostly just so that he could get financial gain from socializing with those who were there and therefore getting them to do business with him later. Another man was not active, but loved the Lord and served Him daily. Elder Oaks explained that it would be very easy for the second man to be in perfect standing with God, and that attending church was only a very small change he would have to make. Whereas for the first man, a lot of difficult change and re-evaluation would have to occur within his heart in order to be in perfect standing with God.
I loved this example because it really paints the picture of the importance of what’s in our hearts. God knows us deeply and intimately, and it is only His right to judge us. We should spend our time here on earth expanding our ability to love God with all our hearts, might, mind, and strength, while also serving and loving His children, and save the judgement for him.
January 2, 2022
Elder david B Haight said, "Continued exposure desensitized the spirit and can erode the conscience of unwary people. A victim becomes a slave to carnal thoughts and actions. As the thought is father to the deed, exposure can lead to acting out what is nurtured in the mind." Ensign Nov 1984
President Ezra Taft Benson said, "you will be what you think about - what you consistently allow to occupy the stage of your mind." Ensign April 1984
The laws of God are concerned with spiritual things. Spiritual things are affected by motives, desires, and attitudes independent of actions. Gospel consequences flow from our thoughts.
"We will be held accountable for your thoughts, bc when your life is completed in mortality, it will be the sum of your thoughts." George Albert Smith
Those who seem to be serving the Lord but do so with a hidden motive to gain personal advantage rather than to further the work if the lord: "priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light until the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion" 2 Ne 26:29 and Alma 1:16
It is easier to have clean hands than to have a pure heart. It is easier to control our acts than to control our thoughts.
Satan temping Jesus to make a rock into bread. Jesus would soon turn water into wine. The difference was the motive (to prove himself and give a sign vs help others).
Moroni's promise to pray about the BOM and know if it's true applies to those who want to know so they know if they should get baptize vs those who just want to just know if it's true on ana academic level.
Repent with a full purpose of heart 3 ne 10:6
Moroni 6:8
Prayer and fasting must be done for the right reason.
An action that is wrong with one motive but be right with another.
A person earns no blessings for acts of service that are coerced or are performed with feelings of resentment. Deuteronomy 28:47
To make an error is to do something inappropriate or incorrect but to do so without evil intent. D&C 1:25-27
Reasons Members serve (from least to best reasons)
1. Earthly Rewards
2. Good Companionship
3. Fear of Punishment
4. Duty or Loyalty
5. Hope of Reward - Eternal Life
D&C 4:2 serve not just with all our might & strength, but also all our heart & mind.
What is it that counts? Only that good which is done for the love of doing it. Only those plans in which the welfare of others is the master thought. Only those labors in which the sacrifice is greater than the reward. Only those gifts in which the giver forgets himself. ("The Mansion" 1918)
We are accountable for our desires, independent of our actions.
"Not only will the righteous desires of our hearts be granted, but also the unrighteous desires of our hearts. Over the long run, our most deeply help desires will govern our choices, one by one and day by day, until our lives finally ads up to what we have really wanted." (The Believing Heart pg26)
Joseph smith taught that on the way to perfect I n we must lose "every desire for sin."
We will be judged on the basis of our desires. D&c 137:9
Joseph smith attribute this lack of understanding of the gospel to a lack of desire (fell by the way side) Matt 13:19
It is the feeling (hate or lust) one has in his heart that counts, not the eventuality that occurs. 1 John 3:15, Matt 5:27-28
To envy sinners is to wish we have never been taught the truth so we could sin with impunity.
Proverbs 23:17
To despise the work of the Lord is to ridicule the church or it's work. It includes making fun of those who try to do what is right, or who applaud wickedness even though they do not participate in it.
Mormon 9:26
One form of pleasure I unrighteousness is the continued surrender to habits that violate commandments, such as indulgence in tobacco.
D&C 56:15
Elder M Russell Ballard has suggested why it is vital to overcome such habits and desires while we are in morality. It is here in mortality that the body and the spirit can learn together to repent, live the law, keep the commandments, and keep our lives aligned to the celestial goal.
My father-in-law was find if expressing his version of this principle (we will be rewarded for our righteous desires). When someone wanted to do something for him but was prevented by circumstances, he would say: "Thank you. I will take the food will for the deed."
This principle means that when we have done all that we can, our desires will carry us the rest of the way. It also means that if our desires are right, we can be forgiven for the unintended errors or mistakes we will inevitably make as we try to carry those desires into effect.
Contrast Mosiah 4:24-25 and 2 corinthians 8:12 with JST Luke 10:33
One has good desires that circumstances restrict and the other wishes their desire to be hide from the world.
The requirement for entry into the celestial kingdom isn't that we have actually practiced the entire celestial law while upon the earth, but that we have shown God that we are willing and able to do so.
D&C 137:7-8; 88:22
Elder McConkie explains, "salvation in the celestial kingdom will come to all who are able to live the full law of christ, even though they did not have opportunity so to do in the course of a mortal probation." (The Mortal Messiah 1:74)
Victor Frankles book
If there is meaning in life, there must be meaning in suffering. Suffering can add deepen meaning to life.
Without suffering and death human life cannot be completed. The way in which a man accepts his fate and all the suffering it entails gives him ample opportunity to add a deeper meaning to his life.
Our desires can't replace things that we actually can do like pay tithing. Our desires can't be superficial, impulsive, or temporary to be a substitute.
Elder Peterson asked, "do you know what it is to be really hungry? Do you know what it is to really be thirsty? Do you desire righteousness as you would desire food under extreme conditions? [The Savior] expects us to literally hunger after righteousness and seek it with all our heart." (BYU Devo Aug 1986)
We should not assume that the desires of our hearts, which can apparently serve as a compliance with a law of the gospel, can also serve as compliance with an ordance of the gospel.
Another victim of the deceitfulness of riches I'd the person who consciously or unconsciously feels guilty at having failed to acquire the property or prominence the world credits as the indicia of success. Those who preach the gospel of success and the theology of prosperity are suffering from "the deceitfulness of riches" and from supposing that "gain is godliness" (1 Tim 6:5).
Savior warned that we should not be so preoccupied with the cares if this life that we are unprepared for that great day (Luke 21:34)
Samaritan used the same coinage to serve his fellow man and win the Savior's praise as Judas did to betray him. It is not money but the live of money that is identified as the root if all evil.
When we place our trust in our property, we have "carnal security".
Wall Street Journal: "Money is an article which may be used as a universal passport to everywhere but heaven, and as a universal provider of everything except happiness." Henrik Ibsen wrote, "Money may buy the husk if many things, but not the kernel. It brings you food, but not the appetite; medicine, but not health; acquaintances, but not friends; servants, but not faithfulness; days of joy, but not peace or happiness."
Materialism is a seductive distortion if self-reliance. .. it becomes a concern with accumulating the treasures of the earth.
Communism is evil bc it deprives people of their freedom and teaches that there is no God. Materialism is evil bc it corrupts people in the use of their freedom and substitutes the god of property for the God of heaven.
( honor, respect, office or position including wealth beyond meeting our necessities) is not worth the sacrifice of a principle. Oct 1948
The only good kind of pride as Elder Stephen L Richards declared...the commendable performance of a difficult task.
Scriptures condemn all other prides. Self-righteousness (pride) is "a condition of soul that assumes and creates an air-tight justification for everything you do simply bc you do it". Joseph Smith once said, "There are a great many wise men and women too in our midst who are too wise to be taught; therefore they must die in their ignorance, and in the resurrection they will find their mistake".
The pride of comparison...C.S. Lewis describes it as, "pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out if having more if it than the next man...it is the comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest."
"Only by pride cometh contention" proverbs 13:10 and "he that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife" Proverbs 28:25.
Luke 10:38-42
Martha was occupied with the routine and temporal that she failed to cherish those unique and spiritual opportunities.
Genesis 25:32,34
Esau despised his birthright while Jacob desired it.
Matt 27:35, Luke 23:34, john 19:24
Soldiers cast lots instead of observing the sacred moment if the crucifixion.
The gold plated had a temporal value, but their spiritual value was priceless. It can be tempting to focus on the concert temporal value rather than the infinite spiritual value of things. Infinite value can be hard for our minds to grabs and therefore our minds simplify it into meaning their isn't a value since we can't compreheed infinity.
The eternal values of loyalty, cooperation, and consecration, some of the most conspicuous worldly failures are seen as the pioneer enterprisers' greatest triumphs...the sacrifices that molded pioneers into Saints and prepared Saints for exaltation.
Strength is forged in adversity. If it be the death if a loved one or repenting with the faith in the Atonement if Christ. (122)
D&C 121:45 This means that in our innermost feelings we should always be full of love towards all men and that our thoughts should always be garnished with virtue, which is good was, purity and truth. It promises us that our confidence shall wax strong in the presence of God.
We can control our thoughts by filling our minds with good ones.
If you can control your thoughts, you can overcome habits - even degrading, personal habits. If you can learn to master them, you will have a happy life.
Educate yourself on your emotions, bc it's our emotions, not our intellicult that has more effect on our decisions. Pray to have the right kind of feeling about our experiences and relationships.
Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. Matt 5:8
President Ezra Taft Benson said, "you will be what you think about - what you consistently allow to occupy the stage of your mind." Ensign April 1984
The laws of God are concerned with spiritual things. Spiritual things are affected by motives, desires, and attitudes independent of actions. Gospel consequences flow from our thoughts.
"We will be held accountable for your thoughts, bc when your life is completed in mortality, it will be the sum of your thoughts." George Albert Smith
Those who seem to be serving the Lord but do so with a hidden motive to gain personal advantage rather than to further the work if the lord: "priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light until the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion" 2 Ne 26:29 and Alma 1:16
It is easier to have clean hands than to have a pure heart. It is easier to control our acts than to control our thoughts.
Satan temping Jesus to make a rock into bread. Jesus would soon turn water into wine. The difference was the motive (to prove himself and give a sign vs help others).
Moroni's promise to pray about the BOM and know if it's true applies to those who want to know so they know if they should get baptize vs those who just want to just know if it's true on ana academic level.
Repent with a full purpose of heart 3 ne 10:6
Moroni 6:8
Prayer and fasting must be done for the right reason.
An action that is wrong with one motive but be right with another.
A person earns no blessings for acts of service that are coerced or are performed with feelings of resentment. Deuteronomy 28:47
To make an error is to do something inappropriate or incorrect but to do so without evil intent. D&C 1:25-27
Reasons Members serve (from least to best reasons)
1. Earthly Rewards
2. Good Companionship
3. Fear of Punishment
4. Duty or Loyalty
5. Hope of Reward - Eternal Life
D&C 4:2 serve not just with all our might & strength, but also all our heart & mind.
What is it that counts? Only that good which is done for the love of doing it. Only those plans in which the welfare of others is the master thought. Only those labors in which the sacrifice is greater than the reward. Only those gifts in which the giver forgets himself. ("The Mansion" 1918)
We are accountable for our desires, independent of our actions.
"Not only will the righteous desires of our hearts be granted, but also the unrighteous desires of our hearts. Over the long run, our most deeply help desires will govern our choices, one by one and day by day, until our lives finally ads up to what we have really wanted." (The Believing Heart pg26)
Joseph smith taught that on the way to perfect I n we must lose "every desire for sin."
We will be judged on the basis of our desires. D&c 137:9
Joseph smith attribute this lack of understanding of the gospel to a lack of desire (fell by the way side) Matt 13:19
It is the feeling (hate or lust) one has in his heart that counts, not the eventuality that occurs. 1 John 3:15, Matt 5:27-28
To envy sinners is to wish we have never been taught the truth so we could sin with impunity.
Proverbs 23:17
To despise the work of the Lord is to ridicule the church or it's work. It includes making fun of those who try to do what is right, or who applaud wickedness even though they do not participate in it.
Mormon 9:26
One form of pleasure I unrighteousness is the continued surrender to habits that violate commandments, such as indulgence in tobacco.
D&C 56:15
Elder M Russell Ballard has suggested why it is vital to overcome such habits and desires while we are in morality. It is here in mortality that the body and the spirit can learn together to repent, live the law, keep the commandments, and keep our lives aligned to the celestial goal.
My father-in-law was find if expressing his version of this principle (we will be rewarded for our righteous desires). When someone wanted to do something for him but was prevented by circumstances, he would say: "Thank you. I will take the food will for the deed."
This principle means that when we have done all that we can, our desires will carry us the rest of the way. It also means that if our desires are right, we can be forgiven for the unintended errors or mistakes we will inevitably make as we try to carry those desires into effect.
Contrast Mosiah 4:24-25 and 2 corinthians 8:12 with JST Luke 10:33
One has good desires that circumstances restrict and the other wishes their desire to be hide from the world.
The requirement for entry into the celestial kingdom isn't that we have actually practiced the entire celestial law while upon the earth, but that we have shown God that we are willing and able to do so.
D&C 137:7-8; 88:22
Elder McConkie explains, "salvation in the celestial kingdom will come to all who are able to live the full law of christ, even though they did not have opportunity so to do in the course of a mortal probation." (The Mortal Messiah 1:74)
Victor Frankles book
If there is meaning in life, there must be meaning in suffering. Suffering can add deepen meaning to life.
Without suffering and death human life cannot be completed. The way in which a man accepts his fate and all the suffering it entails gives him ample opportunity to add a deeper meaning to his life.
Our desires can't replace things that we actually can do like pay tithing. Our desires can't be superficial, impulsive, or temporary to be a substitute.
Elder Peterson asked, "do you know what it is to be really hungry? Do you know what it is to really be thirsty? Do you desire righteousness as you would desire food under extreme conditions? [The Savior] expects us to literally hunger after righteousness and seek it with all our heart." (BYU Devo Aug 1986)
We should not assume that the desires of our hearts, which can apparently serve as a compliance with a law of the gospel, can also serve as compliance with an ordance of the gospel.
Another victim of the deceitfulness of riches I'd the person who consciously or unconsciously feels guilty at having failed to acquire the property or prominence the world credits as the indicia of success. Those who preach the gospel of success and the theology of prosperity are suffering from "the deceitfulness of riches" and from supposing that "gain is godliness" (1 Tim 6:5).
Savior warned that we should not be so preoccupied with the cares if this life that we are unprepared for that great day (Luke 21:34)
Samaritan used the same coinage to serve his fellow man and win the Savior's praise as Judas did to betray him. It is not money but the live of money that is identified as the root if all evil.
When we place our trust in our property, we have "carnal security".
Wall Street Journal: "Money is an article which may be used as a universal passport to everywhere but heaven, and as a universal provider of everything except happiness." Henrik Ibsen wrote, "Money may buy the husk if many things, but not the kernel. It brings you food, but not the appetite; medicine, but not health; acquaintances, but not friends; servants, but not faithfulness; days of joy, but not peace or happiness."
Materialism is a seductive distortion if self-reliance. .. it becomes a concern with accumulating the treasures of the earth.
Communism is evil bc it deprives people of their freedom and teaches that there is no God. Materialism is evil bc it corrupts people in the use of their freedom and substitutes the god of property for the God of heaven.
( honor, respect, office or position including wealth beyond meeting our necessities) is not worth the sacrifice of a principle. Oct 1948
The only good kind of pride as Elder Stephen L Richards declared...the commendable performance of a difficult task.
Scriptures condemn all other prides. Self-righteousness (pride) is "a condition of soul that assumes and creates an air-tight justification for everything you do simply bc you do it". Joseph Smith once said, "There are a great many wise men and women too in our midst who are too wise to be taught; therefore they must die in their ignorance, and in the resurrection they will find their mistake".
The pride of comparison...C.S. Lewis describes it as, "pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out if having more if it than the next man...it is the comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest."
"Only by pride cometh contention" proverbs 13:10 and "he that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife" Proverbs 28:25.
Luke 10:38-42
Martha was occupied with the routine and temporal that she failed to cherish those unique and spiritual opportunities.
Genesis 25:32,34
Esau despised his birthright while Jacob desired it.
Matt 27:35, Luke 23:34, john 19:24
Soldiers cast lots instead of observing the sacred moment if the crucifixion.
The gold plated had a temporal value, but their spiritual value was priceless. It can be tempting to focus on the concert temporal value rather than the infinite spiritual value of things. Infinite value can be hard for our minds to grabs and therefore our minds simplify it into meaning their isn't a value since we can't compreheed infinity.
The eternal values of loyalty, cooperation, and consecration, some of the most conspicuous worldly failures are seen as the pioneer enterprisers' greatest triumphs...the sacrifices that molded pioneers into Saints and prepared Saints for exaltation.
Strength is forged in adversity. If it be the death if a loved one or repenting with the faith in the Atonement if Christ. (122)
D&C 121:45 This means that in our innermost feelings we should always be full of love towards all men and that our thoughts should always be garnished with virtue, which is good was, purity and truth. It promises us that our confidence shall wax strong in the presence of God.
We can control our thoughts by filling our minds with good ones.
If you can control your thoughts, you can overcome habits - even degrading, personal habits. If you can learn to master them, you will have a happy life.
Educate yourself on your emotions, bc it's our emotions, not our intellicult that has more effect on our decisions. Pray to have the right kind of feeling about our experiences and relationships.
Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. Matt 5:8
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2019
Very good.
August 10, 2019
Helps one to understand prideful person.
May 16, 2010
I love Elder Oaks' clear, lucid, and compassionate style of writing. This book explores facets of becoming pure in heart ranging from motive/intent, to service, to materialism, pride, spirituality, and worship. All are excellent, but I found chapter 7 on Spirituality to be a life-changing text. In essence, he says that our degree of spirituality is a lens through which we view life. One quote: "How we interpret our experiences is a function of our spirituality. some interpret mortality solely in terms of worldly accomplishments and possessions. In contrast, those who have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ should interpret their experiences in terms of their knowledge of the purpose of life, the mission of our Savior, and the eternal destiny of the children of God."
March 3, 2011
I loved this book. My mission president used this book as inspiration behind on of the three pillars of our mission: Preach my Gospel, Pure in Heart, and Exact Obedience. In the book, Oaks discusses the principle of being pure in heart, which is basically developing integrity, doing the right things for the right reason, keeping your intentions pure and selfless. We learn in the Sermon on the Mount that it is the pure in heart who shall see God. Having a pure heart is something we should all certainly aspire to, but the refining process is lifelong...if not longer.
This book is out of print; I had to order it used on amazon. If you would like to borrow it from me, let me know. :)
This book is out of print; I had to order it used on amazon. If you would like to borrow it from me, let me know. :)
Want to read
July 27, 2009My visiting teacher - Roxie - recommended this book to me. I want to try and finish a "light-reader" first though, since I just finished "Grace Works" before I dive into this one. But I am excited because it's Elder Oaks and it seems whenever I read a talk or book by the recent/current General Authorities, I hear their voices in my head, as if I'm listening to a CD or something from them, rather than reading.
April 12, 2011
As always, Elder Oaks shares doctrine clearly and--certainly here--purely. I love that. I've read this book in pieces, several times through. The only reason I don't give five stars: I trip over the side bars on various pages(marked in bold.) This is a formatting preference, and definitely not a content preference. The doctrine, the clarity of wording, and the truths shared--have often turned my mediocre day into a fine one.
October 22, 2009
This is a powerful book!! It really helped shape my thinking on some key issues of the gospel and increased my understanding of "things as they really are." It challenged me to really look inside and helped me see things that I can do better and change. Another right book at the right time. Highly recommended.
April 13, 2012
Encouraging to the pure in heart, challenging for the rest of us. This book is a great reminder that it's not enough just to do the right things, but that we need to learn to do the right things for the right reasons. Elder Oaks teaches why purity of heart is desirable, and how a person may gain and retain purity of heart.
October 14, 2018
This is a short book on the importance of motives, faith, and the ongoing effort to purify our lives through the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a great reference well supported by scriptural reference. It was worthwhile to consider these themes as many solidified feelings and beliefs that I have long held on a personal level. It was a good find.
October 30, 2018
I didn't realize this was an older book. It is certainly just as applicable today as when it was written. President Oaks teaches clearly about the challenge and blessings of becoming pure in heart. This book is heavily oriented towards teaching the doctrine, but has some practical applications and suggestions in it as well.
May 11, 2008
Essays and talks by Elder Dallin H. Oaks on how members can become more pure in heart. He discusses things that specifically block the Spirit as well as the issue of pride. I love listening to and reading Elder Oaks because of his lawyerly logic and organization.
August 26, 2009
this book to me is like the scriptures.
When we understand with our hearts more than we do with our minds, then we know that the holy spirit is working with us. This is how the Savior whants us to be, like he is... pure in heart! I love it!
When we understand with our hearts more than we do with our minds, then we know that the holy spirit is working with us. This is how the Savior whants us to be, like he is... pure in heart! I love it!
August 8, 2010
From the beginning of the book I found myself taking a most careful look at myself. Never before had I taken such a close look at my motives. I am not done with the book, but am sure that it will be one that I read over and over.
Read
April 20, 2015I originally read this book when it was first published. I had occasion to re-read it along with Elder Oak's Life Lessons Learned while preparing a talk. He is a thoughtful observer of human nature, and provides remarkable counsel for seekers of enlightenment. I had forgotten how good this book is.
June 26, 2016
I need to come back to this book some day when I can focus on it more. Elder Oaks has some excellent words of wisdom to share. I didn't finish the book within the time allotted by the online library, although I was close to the end when it was automatically returned for me.
March 26, 2008
This was a good book on how to become a better person. I'm glad I read it.
March 10, 2008
This is a very simple yet profound book. Maybe someday i will write a book about this subject.
March 15, 2008
Helped me really examine my motives. I loved it! Need to re-read it!
April 2, 2008
this is an all time favorite of mine
April 24, 2008
Good book. Collection of talks basically.
May 22, 2008
Must read!
June 8, 2008
A easy to read yet penetrating look at the desires of our hearts. One of my favorites.
June 30, 2008
A very insightful, spiritually uplifting read...
June 17, 2010
I loved the book Pure In Heart. Dallin Oaks discusses the inner man and the perfecting of the heart to become more Christlike in nature.
May 19, 2012
This is a powerful book, and it made me ask some very challenging questions of myself. I love Elder Oaks' very direct way of speaking and writing, and this is one of his best writings.
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