Matters of the Heartfeatured

God cares about the condition of our hearts.  He knows that our heart condition directly impacts our behavior.  In Luke 6:45 Jesus says, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”  The apostle Paul tells us that “… you are a letter from Christ, … written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2 Corinthians 3:3).

“Oh dear! Sometimes what comes out of my mouth doesn’t reflect well on Jesus. And it is quite convicting to think my life is a letter from Christ to all those whom I encounter.  What did my letter say to those whom I encountered today?

Did they immediately think that I love God with all my heart, soul, and mind? (Matthew 22:37)

Did they see a lifestyle that shows I am storing up treasures in heaven vs. treasures that are subject to theft and decay? (Luke 12:33-34)

Did they sense a demeanor of peace and hope regardless of my circumstances? (Philippians 4:6-7)

Did they see Christ’s love motivating all my activities? (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

Frankly my “letters” often do not enhance people’s perception of Jesus.  What comes out of my mouth and my behavioral choices spring from a heart that is more focused on pleasing me than pleasing God.

Jesus knew that we would struggle with our heart condition and he provided resources to help us.  He provided the Holy Spirit who is available to guide us into all the truth. (John 16:13).  He taught us to pray for deliverance from temptation and Satan. (Matthew 6:13).  In Matthew 11:29, Jesus promises his help: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

I have opportunities each day to let Jesus help me with my sin-prone heart.  In this painting, Multiple Choices, there are several shapes that suggest hearts.  I hope this will remind me that each day I have multiple opportunities to choose to turn to Jesus before I speak or act.  If I will do that, my letter just might reflect a heart that is a bit healthier and looks a little bit more like Christ’s.

The apostle Paul encouraged believers in Ephesus, Colossae and Thessalonica as they also sought to be worthy letters from Christ.  These words are for us as well.  I pray that they encourage each of us as we seek to have hearts that look like Jesus’.

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe” (Ephesians 1:18-19a).

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:1-2). 

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

About the author

Sharon Collins

Thanks for visiting Becoming His Masterpiece! I write Christian devotionals to accompany my abstract paintings. In reality, I am just the hand that holds the brush and taps the keyboard. The Creator of all things is the true author and painter. I hope this site will bless you while on your life long journey to Becoming His Masterpiece. That journey begins when we say YES to Jesus Christ.

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