“Our hearts matter.”
This simple statement from my friend and preaching colleague, Leland Ping, who preaches in Murfreesboro, TN, often posts short, thought-provoking pieces on his Facebook page.
Take a minute to read and reflect on his thoughts
Our hearts matter – a lot! That is to say that our attitude, motivation, and “inner-spirit” is just as important (if not more) than our outward appearance, actions, and words.
Throughout His inspired word, God has repeatedly reinforced this message. Consider, for just a moment, the importance of the apostle Peter’s statement in Acts 15:8 when he taught the fact that our God, “knows the heart” of every man and woman.
In Psalm 51:17, we are told to have contrite hearts. In Psalm 7:9, we learn that God has the innate ability to “test” our hearts. And, in 1 John 3:20, we are instructed that our hearts have the power to “condemn us.”
It is, therefore, no wonder that we have got to “guard our hearts” in consistent exercise of cautiousness to be certain to do what’s right in the sight of our righteous Lord (see Proverbs 4:23).
In essence, we need a spiritual cardiology workup and examination. We need to take a good and honest look at ourselves and our hearts to make certain that what we see is the reality of what our God sees and knows.
Why do I act the way that I do?
Why do I choose to do or not do certain things?
And, why do I refuse to do good when I know it’s the right thing to do?
These simple questions are key to helping us keep our hearts pure, not only in our own sights but, more importantly, in the view of the eternal One who made us and knows us so very well.
Fortunately, we have the awesome and powerful Great Physician who not only can diagnose a sick or wounded heart, but who can also, through His love and our attention to His instructions, heal us.
Let us examine ourselves and our hearts – honestly and openly today and each day. In doing so, let us work to ever improve in service to our great God.
Thanks, Leland, for this important reminder.
If Leland’s thoughts challenge you to study more about what the Bible says regarding the heart check out these past heart related posts.
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