Today’s scripture: Jeremiah 29:13; Mark 12:30; 1 Samuel 12:24; Proverbs 3:5 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me in this passage? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Ben Lamb):
“I’m sorry, Dan” said the cardiologist, “Craig’s heart wasn’t able to hold out any longer.”
The expected, yet never-prepared-for words shot through Dan like a knife piercing his own heart. Craig had been so strong when the two men first met and eventually fell in love. They thought they’d enjoy life together forever. Then gradually, Craig’s chest organ began to succumb bit by bit to the incurable disease. Finally, there was not enough of his working heart remaining to sustain life.
In a spiritual sense, I believe the same thing happens to those of us who forget — or choose not — to seek God with all our hearts, because it is with all of our hearts that we find God (Jeremiah 29:13). I believe the same thing happens when we forget — or choose not — to love and subsequently serve God with all of our hearts (Mark 12:30; 1 Samuel 12:24).
What are some ways to do a “half-hearted” job of seeking, loving, and serving?
- Allowing malice toward others to occupy room in our hearts.
- Filling hearts with thoughts that are incompatible with Jesus’ demonstrated line of thought.
- Allowing cobwebs of apathy toward others to clog up space.
- Becoming obsessed with a self-imposed “mission” to the point where our hearts can’t receive healthy forms of other Christian interaction.
- Refusing to “exercise” our hearts through Christian growth and renewal activities, both alone and with others.
This is merely a partial list, but something is obvious. Our spiritual hearts need regular upkeep and exercise just as much as our physical hearts do. God is not only the Creator of the Universe, but also wants to be our Celestial Cardio Coach!
Thought for the day: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. –Proverbs 3:5
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.