Matter of the Heart
Currently, we are in the season of Lent. Lent is a season of 40 days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday. It is a period of preparation for Easter. It is a time for prayer, fasting, and repentance. The Lenten season challenges us to examine our hearts and motives and reexamine our commitment to God.
One’s motives are important. This principle is apparent when, in (Luke 23:34 NKJV), Jesus does not want his executioners condemned because their motives are not equal with the great crime they are committing: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.”
They acted in ignorance, not understanding who it was they were killing. One’s motive for doing anything has everything to do with the condition of one’s heart.
The heart is the center of one’s being. It’s the source of all thought and behavior. The heart dictates one’s character and directs the will. Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV) says, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it springs the issues of life.”
Someone wrote, “Watch your thoughts; they become your words. Watch your words; they become your actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become your character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
The Lenten season prepares us for Easter. It challenges us to examine our hearts, motives, reexamine our commitment to God, and deepen our commitment to God through spiritual disciplines such as fasting, repentance, and a little soul searching.
Why is this necessary? God is clear in his word for the need for holiness in the lives of his people (Leviticus 20:7 NKJV; 1Peter 1:1617 NKJV).
And the holiness that pleases God must be inward, not just outward. In other words, it’s not enough to do the work of the kingdom. It’s not enough to have a title in the church. It’s not enough to say that I am a follower of Christ or a leader or pastor. We must do the kingdom’s work from hearts that please him who knows our every thought (Psalm 139. 2 NKJV).
One’s private thoughts matter to him. Our inner life matters to God because they are issues of the heart. The Lenten season reminds us that as followers of Jesus Christ, we are responsible before God for our conduct.
So, how do we develop a heart for God? Let me make a few suggestions.
BE FAITHFUL IN SMALL THINGS.
David was able to bring down Goliath because he had been faithful as a shepherd. The strength and fortitude that enables us to conquer the challenges of life come from our obedience to the little choices that confront us daily, such as integrity (Proverbs 19:9 NKJV) and guarding our speech (Luke 6:45 NKJV) and controlling our anger (Ephesians 4:26 NKJV).
WE MUST SPEND TIME ALONE WITH GOD READING AND STUDYING HIS WORD.
Some writers think that Psalm 23 flowed out of David’s quiet time with God. Are you spending quiet time with God? Unless you spend time alone with God, you will never grow in your relationship with God.
LEARN TO WORSHIP.
Does your Sunday worship overflow to your private worship? Learn to sing of His goodness and mercy in your time alone with God. Make melody to the Lord with your heart (Ephesians 5:19 NKJV). God seeks those who worship him (John 4:23 NKJV).
HOW’S YOUR PRAYER LIFE?
Use your time alone with God to talk with Him.
The Lenten season is about matters of the heart. It’s about fasting, praying, and repentance. It’s about holiness and renewing and strengthening our relationship with Him, who gave his life to reconcile us to the Father.
Be encouraged!
Rev. Chestine Sims Jr. of White Hall is pastor of Union AME Church at Little Rock.
Editor’s note: Pastors, ministers or other writers interested in writing for this section may submit articles to shope@adgnewsroom.com. Please include your phone number and the name and location of your church or ministry.