What's the Condition of Your Heart

What's the Condition of Your Heart?

Change does not come easily, and I know this to be true in my life and firmly believe this to be true in each of your lives as well. This idea resonates strongly with sayings such as, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," which implies that ingrained habits and mindsets are difficult to alter.

Throughout my life, I learned and observed some crucial lessons:

The results we achieve are directly proportional to the effort we invest. This concept is beautifully encapsulated in phrases like, "Nothing easy is worth having, and nothing worth having is easy," and “If it’s worth having it’s worth fighting for,” reminding us that worthwhile endeavors require something from us.

Many of my friends were raised in dysfunctional or broken families, in those situations they often felt trapped in the cycles of their upbringing, believing they had no control in who they would grow into being. Statistically, children from such environments are more likely to repeat the same mistakes made by their parents, which is a disheartening reality.

In today’s society, there is a worrying trend of overlooking the crucial role of individual responsibility of utilizing a thing called free will. This neglect creates an environment where many individuals find it all too easy to point fingers at their upbringing or to lean on diagnoses that serve as excuses for their poor choices. As a result, the accountability that should accompany personal actions often gets lost in a sea of rationalizations.

 In Acts 5:29, Peter and the Apostles made a powerful statement regarding the priority of divine authority over human authority. They declared, "We must obey God rather than man." This declaration highlights their unwavering commitment to following God's commands, even in the face of opposition from human authorities. Their resolve serves as a reminder of people with a transformed heart. Not long before this, these men were denying Jesus, hiding from the authorities in fear of being recognized as followers of Jesus.

 While some may still argue that individuals are born a certain way—whether regarding their sexuality or tendencies toward addiction—they often neglect the incredible potential humanity possesses when they submit their life to God for a life and heart transformation.

Many individuals (maybe some here today might have predicted my life’s path based on my being raised by a couple of hippies, yet they underestimated the transformative power of Christ in both my parents' lives and my own. True transformation only begins when we submit our lives wholeheartedly to God, allowing Him to guide and reshape us. As Isaiah 64:8 proclaims, “ But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand”. This verse emphasizes our role as a new creation, allowing us to be molded by a loving Creator, highlighting the importance of trust and submission in our relationship with God. Each of us is a work in progress, and it is through His hands that we are continually being refined and transformed into the individuals Jesus Christ died for us to be.

Why is it that some drift away from regular attendance, fall short in financial giving back proportionately to how God has blessed them, or refrain from serving in the church? Why do we often witness a lack of the fruits of the Spirit and the mind of Christ reflected in lives outside these four walls?

It is disheartening to observe those who identify as Christians but display behaviors that mirror those of non-believers. I cannot answer any of these questions, but I do know that at the root of each of these troubling issues is that there is a heart that has not surrendered over to Christ and allowed Him to transform their lives.

If we genuinely desire to become a vibrant and thriving church body for Christ, we must honestly, lovingly, and earnestly directly confront this spiritual disconnect.

In many ways, I consider this topic the most important I have ever talked about—and perhaps it will be the most significant message you need to hear and embrace. The key point I want everyone to grasp fully is the necessity of moving beyond mere head knowledge about Christ and allowing His love and teachings to reach our hearts profoundly.

I am convinced that many in and outside of the church today are under a deceptive belief that simply holding to the right doctrines and beliefs makes them acceptable to God. While I acknowledge that what we believe is indeed significant, if that knowledge never truly reaches our hearts, it is ultimately devoid of meaning.

The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy to "watch your life and doctrine closely, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers." 1 Timothy 4:16 This underscores the crucial relationship between our beliefs and our actions. Many individuals in the church mistakenly think they are in good standing with the Lord solely because they subscribe to the right beliefs.

However, the issue Jesus had with the Pharisees was not based on their beliefs—after all, they had a solid grasp of Scripture, could quote it effectively, and adhered to religious laws. Yet, Jesus still challenged them, compelling them to reconsider their motivations and the authenticity of their faith. What was it that He truly wanted from them?

Many operate under the assumption that by performing specific actions at designated dates or times, they will secure their standing with the Lord. They believe attending church every Sunday, giving tithes and offerings, and reading the Bible guarantees their salvation. However, the simple act of performing good deeds does not automatically assure one's salvation. While I firmly believe that these are fruits that Christians will naturally produce, it is essential that our motivation comes from a genuine desire to please God rather than out of a mere sense of obligation.

We are not saved by our good deeds; we are saved for good deeds Ephesians 2:10. Even when we engage in the right practices at the right times, our wills must be aligned with God's Will, or we risk being lost if our true motivations are misguided.

1. The Heart Reflects the Person

The essence of a person can often be discerned by looking into their heart, an area of profound significance yet profoundly hidden. While we may yearn to understand others on a deeper level, the stark reality is that our ability to see into another person’s heart is limited. We cannot grasp the full complexity of your thoughts, the true motives behind your actions, or the deep-seated feelings and wounds that might be concealed beneath the surface. Much of what I know about individuals is drawn from observing their outward behavior and expressions. This can lead to forming judgments about their character and lives based on incomplete information.

It's essential to recognize that I can misjudge others, and some people are adept at presenting a facade that does not reflect their true selves. Individuals who appear to be embodying integrity and strong character may, in reality, harbor hidden flaws. On the other hand, if we could somehow catch a genuine glimpse into your heart, it would unequivocally reveal your true nature, stripped of any artifice. The heart is a vessel that holds no dishonesty; it mirrors who you genuinely are at your core.

Proverbs 27:19 offers insight into this concept: "As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man." The observations we make in our daily interactions can provide valuable insights, serving as windows to the heart. The subjects we choose to delve into in conversation and the language we employ can uncover what lies within us. Through genuine dialogue, I can come to understand the matters that resonate deeply with you. Ultimately, it is true that we cannot articulate thoughts that have not first emerged from our hearts. As another proverb suggests, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7

The teachings of Matthew 12:33-37 further elucidate this truth. It states, "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart." This passage reminds us that the words we utter carry significant weight. The implications of our speech are profound: if our words are tainted with crudeness, vulgarity, or malice, it likely reflects a heart burdened with similar qualities. Hence, we must always remember that the heart is the true mirror of our being.

2. The Heart Will Be Judged by God

While I may be limited to catching mere glimpses of your heart, God possesses the omniscience to perceive the entirety of it. It is your heart—not solely your actions—that God will consider in His judgment. While He certainly takes into account your deeds—both what you do and what you neglect to do—His primary concern is always the condition of your heart.

As noted in I Corinthians 14:25, "The secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you." God's awareness transcends the outward appearances and public facades that we often present. Many individuals mistakenly believe they can outsmart or conceal themselves from God. However, the truth is that God will judge the heart unequivocally. Every hidden thought, every unseen motive, and every clandestine secret will be exposed before Him. You could live your entire life perfecting a facade, impressing those around you—and perhaps even convincing yourself of your own righteousness—but in the end, God perceives all, and your heart will be laid bare before Him.

So, I ask you, what is the condition of your heart today?

Are you living to attain the praise of others, or are you striving to please God? This journey begins with the transformation of the heart—a heart devoted to loving the Lord wholly, not partially or selectively in various aspects of our lives. Have you witnessed a genuine transformation in your heart? Can you identify tangible changes not only in your behaviors but also in the intentions and motivations of your heart since embracing Christ?

Indeed, we are called to be transformed. The Scriptures reveal that we are a new creation in Christ, and this transformation should be evident through a profound and total change in the way we live.

Colossians 3:1-10 outlines this calling beautifully: "Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." 

This passage continues: "Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience. And in them, you also once walked when you were living in them. But now you also must put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him."

Have you noticed the recurring theme: our lifestyles should reflect a significant shift now that we have shed the old self? This transformation is an ongoing journey, urging us to become more aligned with the character of Christ in every facet of our lives.

I. Our Change Can Only Come From God

There is a widely held belief that the most compelling defense of the Gospel is manifested in a changed life. This assertion resonates deeply with me and aligns with the poignant argument made by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians, where he articulates both the truth and the transformative power of the Gospel.

Galatians 1:11-24 states, “For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me. 

The transformation in Paul's life is nothing short of extraordinary. Initially, he was a fierce persecutor of the early church, a man driven by zeal and fervor to extinguish the burgeoning Christian faith. However, after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus, his life took a radical turn. This dramatic metamorphosis not only astonished those who once feared him but also served as a powerful testimony to the world of the Gospel’s ability to change hearts and lives. People who knew Paul before his conversion were left in disbelief, recognizing that such a profound and lasting transformation could not have arisen from mere human determination or willpower; it required divine intervention.

To illustrate the depth of this transformation, consider the example of Jeffrey Dahmer, one of the most infamous murderers in modern history. His actions were horrific and left a lasting scar on the collective conscience of society. After being incarcerated, Dahmer encountered a Church of Christ preacher named Roy Ratcliff. Through his Bible teachings and guidance, Dahmer engaged deeply with the Christian faith and was baptized into Christ, receiving forgiveness for his sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit just eight months prior to his execution. Many who interacted with him during this time reported a profound change in his demeanor and character. While we cannot measure the sincerity of Dahmer's conversion, it is significant to acknowledge that God's grace is expansive enough to reach even those who have committed the most heinous acts.

It reinforces my conviction that, regardless of someone's history, genuine transformation is achievable if they choose to open their hearts to God.

To me, the church is not merely an assembly of virtuous individuals; instead, it is a collective of those who have once been lost and have experienced transformational change through Christ.

Though some refer to the church as a hospital for sinners, I see it more fittingly as a Rehabilitation Center, for we are now well and are being fortified in the Lord. Through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, we have been healed and renewed, allowing us to live in a new way.

I Corinthians 6:9-11 powerfully asserts, “Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” This passage is particularly significant to me because it recognizes that the church consists of individuals with complicated histories, each of whom has undergone profound changes.

Numerous support groups and counseling services exist to help people contend with their struggles and addictions. While these organizations aim to provide temporary relief and may succeed in curbing harmful behaviors, they often fail to address the fundamental issues, merely treating the symptoms rather than getting to the heart of the matter—a heart in dire need of transformation. Efforts to assist individuals grappling with addiction or life challenges without the transformative power of Christ risk being in vain. I have observed non-Christians who have managed to alter their habits and improve their integration into society; however, these modifications do not equate to true heart change.

It is crucial to understand that a shift in behaviors does not necessarily reflect a change of heart. The core issue we all confront is one of the heart, and it is Christ alone who possesses the ability to heal and transform. I cannot alter my heart, nor can I compel another's heart to change; my role is to guide them toward the one who has the paramount power to bring about true and lasting transformation. Yes, individuals can reform their outward actions, but only through Christ can they experience a genuine renewal of the heart.

II. Our Change Should Be Total and Complete

Motor homes have revolutionized the way we experience the outdoors, allowing us to transport the full spectrum of home conveniences with us on our travels. The traditional notion of camping, which involved sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag, cooking over an open fire, or sourcing water from nearby streams, is largely a thing of the past.

Nowadays, people can simply park a motor home on a concrete slab nestled among pine trees, connect to a water line, hook up to a sewer system, and enjoy electricity just as they would at home. I recently spotted a motor home equipped with a satellite dish on its roof, and I couldn’t help but think, “This isn’t what I would call ‘roughing it.’”

The essence of camping has been altered—there’s no need to contend with dirt, endure the haze of smoke from a campfire, or make the trek to a nearby water source. It is now entirely feasible to experience the great outdoors without ever setting foot outside.

Ironically, while many buy motor homes with the hope of exploring new landscapes and immersing themselves in different environments, they furnish these vehicles just like their living rooms back home. Consequently, little changes in their experience of travel. They may drive to a picturesque location and find themselves surrounded by breathtaking views, but the novelty of the experience often fades into the background because they’ve brought their familiar surroundings with them. These individuals seek the essence of camping—adventure, novelty, connection to nature—yet choose to remain enveloped in the comforts of their domestic life. To me, relying on motor homes outfitted with air conditioning and satellite television fundamentally negates the authentic purpose of camping.

This situation reminds me of the phenomenon of "motor home Christians." These are individuals who aspire to embrace Christianity while still clinging tightly to their worldly possessions and lifestyles. They desire the blessings that come from a relationship with Jesus but are often unwilling to surrender their comfort or make the necessary sacrifices that true faith requires. They want to navigate through life holding onto their familiar habits and environments while still identifying themselves as Christians.

In John chapter 9, we encounter the powerful story of Jesus healing a blind man. Upon receiving his sight, a debate ensues about the man's identity. Some question whether he is truly the same person who was born blind or merely someone who looks like him.

This scenario highlights that there is noticeable change when something significant occurs. The truth is, having regained his sight, this man is fundamentally different; he was blind before and now can see. The Scriptures frequently use the metaphor of sight to represent the transformation that occurs when one becomes a Christian. We were once blind to the truth, but when we come to Christ, our eyes are opened, and we start to see life from a new, clearer perspective. Our transformation should be so profound that those around us notice the change.

Reflecting on my journey to faith, I recognize that my path to becoming a Christian was gradual. I grew up in a Christian household, which shielded me from many worldly influences, but it was during my youth that I came to understand the truth of my own sinful nature. I recognized that even what some considered minor sins—fleeting thoughts of anger or jealousy—were still sins for which I would ultimately be accountable. I was deeply aware of my need for salvation and sought baptism as a means to avoid the punishment I feared.

However, for a long time, I struggled to see any evidence of a transformed life. Even though I professed my belief in Jesus and understood my need for His forgiveness, This change did not happen automatically as I naively thought it would.

It wasn’t until my teenage years, when I found myself spiraling into reckless behavior, that I realized the disconnect between my profession of faith and my private life. I had not truly surrendered control of my life to Him.

I spent years deluding my conscience by telling myself I was better than some of my peers, banking on the notion that I was a good person simply because I identified as a Christian. Fast forward through those wild years and a lot of God's Grace, and I reached a turning point—one where I finally decided to take ownership of the faith I had professed.

I committed myself to studying the Word of God diligently, craving a deeper understanding of my faith. I prayed earnestly, asking God to transform my heart and align my desires with His. Slowly but surely, I began to surrender my will to His more and more. My mindset shifted dramatically; I was no longer the same person I had once been. I no longer desired to do the things that I knew greived God and His desire for my life.

Although my outward appearance remained unchanged, my inner self experienced radical renewal.

As I embraced this new life in Christ, I faced the painful reality of losing friendships that had once been dear to me. I found myself estranged from individuals who, at one point, were my closest companions. My language transformed; I no longer engaged in using foul or impure speech. My perspective on people shifted from viewing them as inconveniences to valuing them as fellow creations deserving of love and respect. The anger and hatred that had once consumed me faded as I learned the importance of loving others as myself.

Even my clothing choices evolved; I began aligning my outward appearance with the values I now held dear. My understanding of worth shifted as well; I no longer measured my value against my material possessions or how others liked me but took to heart the Biblical Truth that true worth is found in Christ alone.

This transformation is not just a personal experience; it illustrates a broader point about the nature of change within the Christian life. The transformation we undergo when we choose to follow Christ must be total and constant—it needs to infiltrate every aspect of our lives. Will there be times we stumble and fall; absolutely!

But as we trust in Jesus, we get up a little quicker than we used to. We fall less often because we are now attached to the firm foundation of Christ.

When I became a Christian, I understood that everything had to change; the call to live a life reflective of Christ requires us to shed old habits and embrace a new way of living. It is a journey that demands introspection, commitment, and the willingness to let go of familiar comforts for something far more profound: a life that is vibrant, filled with purpose, and directed by the love of God.

III. Our Change Should Cause Us to Be Different

In recent years, a number of surveys have revealed a concerning trend: individuals who identify as Christians are, alarmingly, just as likely to experience divorce, engage in gambling, consume inappropriate content on social media platforms like Facebook or TikTok, struggle with addiction to pornography, or misuse alcohol as their non-Christian peers. This data paints a troubling picture that raises fundamental questions about the authenticity of our faith and its impact on our lives.

It is truly disheartening, if not tragic, to consider that the world around us often fails to observe a distinct difference in the behavior of those who claim to follow Christ when compared to those who do not. The affirmation of our faith is that it should visibly transform us, setting us apart in how we conduct ourselves. People should be able to notice a clear distinction in our speech, our actions, the types of activities we participate in, the choices we consciously reject, and ultimately, how we treat one another.

I often reflect on this serious matter:

• If we, as Christians, fail to embody the transformative power of our faith, why would anyone outside the church desire to invest in a relationship with Christ?

• Are we truly demonstrating to the world that our lives, guided by faith, offer something significantly better than what they currently possess?

• What compelling reasons can we provide for someone to consider becoming a Christian?

It is imperative that we demonstrate our differences, showcasing the unique blessings and hope found in Christ. In a world that often feels chaotic and filled with uncertainty, our distinctiveness as followers of Christ can serve as a beacon of light, guiding others toward the transformative power of faith. The reality is that if the Word of God does not instigate profound change within us, we will struggle to bring about meaningful change in the world around us. This internal transformation is not merely a personal journey; it is a collective calling that compels us to reflect the love, grace, and mercy of Christ in our daily interactions and decisions.There is an age-old saying that resonates deeply: No one will ever be convinced of a belief or idea unless they themselves are genuinely convinced of it.

Are we, as a collective body of believers, genuinely having our hearts and minds aligned with the Gospel to such an extent that we can produce undeniable evidence of that transformation in our lives? Are we living testimonies of the change that the Gospel promises? Are our actions, words, and attitudes so infused with the essence of Christ that they inspire those around us to seek the same hope and transformation?

I am not trying to be mean. It is essential for all of us to engage in self-reflection and communal accountability, ensuring that our faith is not just a set of beliefs but a dynamic and living reality that shapes who we are and how we relate to others.

Remember, personally we can only catch small, incomplete glimpses of each other’s hearts from outward observations. Still, it raises an important question: If we are indeed fully convinced of the power of the Gospel, shouldn’t the fruits of that change be clearly visible in our everyday actions and the influence we have on our community?

The main challenge we encounter is that true change demands an internal commitment and acknowledgment of our need for transformation. For example, before a person can effectively overcome a harmful habit, they must first reach a moment of awareness about their need to change. Likewise, anyone seeking to develop a regular exercise routine must sincerely believe in the significance of that routine and the serious repercussions of ignoring it.

Consider the following scenario: The doctor told his patient, "You are in terrible shape. You need to make some serious adjustments to your lifestyle. Start by asking your wife to prepare healthier meals for you. Cut back on your exhausting work schedule. Next, implement a budget that you both must stick to. Make sure you communicate to her that you need some downtime away from the kids so you can recharge. Without some significant changes, I'm afraid your prognosis isn’t good—you could be gone in less than a month."

The patient responded, "Doc, this message would carry much more weight coming directly from you. Would you mind calling my wife to deliver it?"

When the patient returned home, his wife rushed to him, visibly distressed. "I spoke to your doctor," she exclaimed. "He’s really worried. You only have thirty days left to live!"

This story highlights a crucial question: what will it require for us to develop a conviction powerful enough to drive change in our lives? I am deeply convinced that Jesus has given us the duty to change the world, but this change must start with the transformation of our own hearts and actions.

A few years ago, one of the most popular television shows among young children was "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers." This series featured a group of teenagers who had the extraordinary ability to morph into superheroes. When they united, their powers combined, allowing them to fight against all the evil forces threatening their world. Throughout the show, these young individuals juggled the challenges of daily life—school, friendships, and family—while also managing their identities as defenders of justice. Their journey emphasized that beneath their ordinary exteriors lay the potential for remarkable feats, which was unleashed when they morphed into a unified force.

In parallel to this narrative, I firmly believe that when we allow ourselves to undergo genuine transformation through faith in Jesus, we, too, can achieve remarkable feats in our lives and beyond.

Surrendering to God and allowing Him to shape us is likened to tapping into God’s strength and power that enables us to confront challenges and foster real change. When we fully submit our lives to God, seeking His guidance and strength for transformation, then and only then will we make a significant impact on the world around us.

However, this transformation journey is not passive; it requires an active decision to begin. It necessitates the willingness to step out of our comfort zones, to challenge ourselves, and to give up control of our lives. Each of us holds the potential to take that first step toward change.

So, I again pose the question: what is the condition of your heart?  What is holding you back from allowing God to work with you and through you?

Romans 12:1-2 beautifully encapsulates this call to action. It states, “Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” This passage inspires us to seek spiritual renewal and highlights the importance of aligning our lives with God’s will. Through this renewed mindset, we can discern our purpose and strive to undertake the transformative work that the world so desperately needs.