Condition of the Heart

7/26/2020

Matthew 15:19 “Out of the heart proceeds…”

Once again, I feel the need to share the verse in its entirety. “For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” These powerful words were spoken by Jesus to His disciples after meeting with the Pharisees. He spoke of the condition of the heart and the thoughts that it generates; it is true that thought often turns to action. What I think I say, and what I say I often become.  If I have a judgmental thought about someone, and I speak that aloud it becomes slander. As I read this verse, I may object because I have never felt any of those things in my heart, but if I am truthful with myself, the objection would overruled. I would rather be seen as devoted and innocent of such things. I can certainly hide these thoughts from others, but I can NEVER hide anything from my Lord. Chambers writes: “Either Jesus Christ is the supreme Authority on the human heart, or He is not worth paying any attention to.” We need to take all the words of Jesus and apply them to our lives, even when it is uncomfortable. The sin I do not care to recognize in myself, the Holy Spirit will certainly reveal to me when I am focused on my relationship with Jesus. Chambers also writes: “The only thing that safeguards is the Redemption of Jesus Christ. If I hand myself over to Him, I need never experience the terrible possibilities that are in my heart.” Amazing mercy and grace.