That was almost thirty years ago, but as my Bible studies this week have been about matters of the heart - the thought of cleaning from the inside out came back to my mind.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Oh how many times do we look all nice and tidy on the outside, when our insides are struggling with hurt, pain, anger and bitterness.
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
Proverbs 14:30
It may seem to be fine as long as that "stays on the inside". But, we read over and over in the Bible how dangerous it is for us to have these things lingering in our heart.
When we allow bad feelings to stay in our heart we give the devil the opportunity to use it. Just as you have a bowl of fruit and one apple slowly begins to ruin the others - the devil can take that hurt and add to it. He can put thoughts in our head that make the hurt and anger grow until we have a beautiful outside but a heart that is being used against us.
Then I read this verse...
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:21
I'm sure you've read it hundreds of times - just like me. But, take a moment and let it soak in....
If my heart is full of anger that would be my treasure...
If my heart is full of hate that would be my treasure...
If my heart is full of bitterness that would be my treasure....
None of those things are a treasure! So, we will ask the Lord to transform our mind and heart to replace these thoughts and repair our heart with traits showing His love and power.
If my heart is full of love - that is a treasure!
If my heart is full of patience - that is a treasure!
If my heart is full of joy - that is a treasure!
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2 NIV
So, I am thankful for my precious mother-in-law who years ago showed me the example of cleaning from the inside out. I am thankful that she led her precious son to Christ as they rocked in their rocking chair many years ago. I am thankful that transforming my heart is well within His power - even when I feel powerless.
Lord,
Thank you for the many verses that You sent to show us the importance of our heart. As we seek You, help us to see the places that are vulnerable in our heart that need to be turned over to You. Do not allow anger and bitterness to stay in our heart but replace them with virtues that bring glory to You. You taught us that everything flows out from our heart - so transform my hurt so that it can be used for good. I do not have to do this alone - I have You and You have the power to make the changes. Amen
Family Challenge: Read the fruits of the spirit verse together. Each person say which virtue they think shows up to the world and which one they want to improve with His help.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”
Galatians 5:22
No comments:
Post a Comment