The Heart

(From the mind of he)

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Sam. 16:7)

God has been speaking to me of late about my heart. The Bible talks about having a heart of flesh or a heart of stone. When I think about the state of my heart I believe I see both types at times. I know He desires that heart of flesh at all times. The heart that is always loving, always serving, always putting others before myself.

I have a friend who said one time, "People are very good and showing others what they want them to see. Very rarely do people get to see what is truly in their hearts." I've learned over time that people are capable of such ugliness. That includes me in big way. I've learned it's easy to look at terrorists or others with a reputation for hate and judge them as evil, while at the same time look at myself and say my heart is good. Jesus said that there is no one good except for God. The point being that all hearts were created with the same capacity for love or hate, or both. I believe the only way to love in a truly helpful way is to follow the example set by Christ. He is the only one who avoided hate and evil and used His heart the way His Father intended. This is the heart I seek. So my continual prayer is for a heart of flesh.

Another thing I've learned lately is that your spiritual or personal resume can grow and at the same time your heart can grow harder and harder. The Bible says, "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up". Every action contributes to a heart of flesh or a heart of stone. Whether it is making a negative comment while driving or walking by someone and not acknowledging them. It doesn't matter how big or small the act, they all matter. I strive to show my heart to all. The good and the bad. God always sees the heart. I desire for others to see it so accountability for who I am and how I act is made easier for the people in my life. It's interesting, this has been a year where people have said very flattering things about me spiritually, (not trying to boast, I have a point) while at the same time this has been the most challenging year for me since I became a believer. Meaning, spiritual growth has been difficult this year. I've had many struggles. Many temptations.

The amazing thing about Jesus is that His grace encompasses all. I know this doesn't give me a free pass to sin. It does however give me the ability to trust in Him and in His love while my heart continues to be fixed by Him. His love is tough in that He wants us to grow. He wants us to keep pushing and striving for perfection. No matter the current status of my heart, Jesus only sees Himself. That is so encouraging and allows me to never give up and to never turn from Him.