Soren Kierkegaard was a favorite of my college Philosophy professor. Prof. Craig insisted that we learn about his major works and how to correctly pronounce his name! You say it Keer-ka-gore. If you’re not familiar, Kierkegaard was a Danish philosopher who wrote prolifically in the early 1800s.
His parents both died before he was 30 but his father had been a wealthy businessman. His inheritance funded Kierkegaard’s education and self-publishing. Sadly, like his parents, he too died young – in his 40s due to a spine disease.
He is known as the “Father of Existentialism” so while I don’t agree with all that he wrote, I’ve been thinking recently about one of famous quotes. Kierkegaard said, “Purity of heart is to will one thing.” The one thing he suggests we will is to know God and to will ourselves to do the good God calls us to.
I don’t know what Kierkegaard was thinking of as he wrote that, but for me it brings to mind a couple of scriptures.
James 1:6-8 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
To “will one thing” involves both our minds and our hearts. It means having faith in our faithful God and having a heart that wants only what God wants. Rend Collective has a song about this called “Wholehearted” A line that repeats is “Give me wide with wonder and a heart of praise.” I’d call that a good prayer for have a pure heart that wills us to know God more.
You are loved!
Pastor Cindy
(VIDEO LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmNZjm9Is0I)