The condition of the heart

Luke 6:45 - A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.


The Lord knows our hearts, and while we may take some comfort in that, it should also concern us. The way we act, behave and carry ourselves, either good or bad, comes from our heart and the condition of it. That’s why Jesus said in the title verse: A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. (Luke 6:45)


As Christians we might be tempted, after behaving badly and saying mean or unkind things or acting in ways we shouldn’t act, to think: “well, at least the Lord knows my heart”. But that is exactly the problem, something wrong in the heart, and yes…..the Lord does know it. Just because we “feel bad” about wrong behavior and we really “want” to do that which is good…deep down, we think we’re ok, and that’s what really matters. But it’s not ok, and our words, deeds and actions really do matter because they are a reflection of what is in the heart, and what is coming forth from it. How badly we may feel about our actions means nothing if it doesn’t result in a change in our actions and behavior. Judas felt great remorse for betraying Jesus, but it was not a godly sorrow that led to repentance and change, so it was of no value.


It says in Ps 4:23 - Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. And we know that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. If we get grumpy, irritable and say unkind things to others, it’s a heart problem. If we are easily provoked and annoyed, lose our cool and lash out, it’s a heart problem. If we give in to sin and wickedness and are not practicing righteousness daily and walking in the Spirit, it’s a heart problem. We should recognize it, acknowledge it, and do something about it rather than trying to excuse ourselves or take comfort in our feelings of remorse.


The first and foremost commandment is to love the Lord our God, with ALL of our heart, and soul, and might, and that means something beyond just warm thoughts and feelings towards God. Loving God is not just emotional sentiment but something that causes us to be Christlike in our behavior. He that hath my commandments, AND KEEPETH THEM, he it is that loveth me (Jn 14:21). True love for God will drive us to follow Him, to obey Him, and grow in our devotion to Him. If we do that, then we are truly changed and renewed and it will show and good things will come out of the good treasure of our hearts. 



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