“It’s a Heart Condition”
The Bible has lots of verses speaking about the heart of every human being. You may be familiar with these two: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). Or “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
If you are thinking Proverbs has much to say about the heart, you’d be correct as this book tells us how to live our life. It guides us in things we should and should not do. It provides instructions on paths to walk and those we should avoid. Another great verse is Proverbs 23:26, “My son, GIVE ME YOUR HEART, and let your eyes keep to my ways.”
This is a call to surrender one’s inner life, desires, and will to God, rather than just outward obedience. The verse emphasizes a personal loving relationship with God, focusing on the heart as the center of thoughts, affections and will. How many times have we told a child, spouse, or friend, “I love you with all my heart?” That’s the love God wants from us. A deep committed love for someone shows up in our attitude and actions – not just words.
To hear someone speak about owning cattle on a thousand hills gets our attention. The Lord said in Psalm 50:10, “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.” What God is really saying here is although the Israelites were faithful in bringing their sacrifices to God, He recognized they were merely going through the motions. He’s stating, “I don’t need your animals (I own them all), what I really want is your heart.”
Sometimes we’re guilty of going through the motions. We may be doing lots of “good things,” but they are done because that’s what we are supposed to do. Or it’s what is expected of us. Do you serve God and your church through routine or ritual, or are you truly excited about the blessings of God? Are you thankful for His presence in your life and love sharing answers to prayer with others? Let’s not become lazy or complacent in our daily activities or worship. God wants our whole heart and when He has it, amazing things take place.
Pastor Carnes
