The core of who we are is the heart of a person. It is from there that all of our decisions are made, what we do starts there. It is true that we do not control all of the events that impact us, but how we respond to those events or things reflects what is in us. Our responses or actions show what is in our hearts – that person who we really are.
“… For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” -Luke 6.45
“It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” -Matthew 15.11
It is not what goes into a person that defiles the person. It is what any person lets out of their mouth that can defile that person.
Things happen. Outside influences impact who we are, who we allow ourselves to be. The influences do not determine who we are. What we tolerate or allow does, and from that place what comes out shows who we have allowed ourselves to be.
– If a man or woman fills their heart with evil, out of their mouths will come evil.
– If a man or woman fills their heart with good, godliness, out of their mouths will come goodness or godliness.
It is a choice. What are you putting in you? What are you allowing in you?
Whether we like it or not, the Bible is true and the God of the Bible is who He says He is. And so are we. We are not free to do whatever we choose. In this life there are actions and consequences of those actions. It is a design intention. Our actions, our decisions have consequence.
The Bible points out some basics of life. If you do not work, you do not eat. If you do not go out and make an effort to get food, you will go hungry. Simple, basic life truth.
Our actions have consequence. What we decide to do and do has impact. Even deciding to do nothing is a decision that has impact and will produce a result. It is a design intention of this world.
We are made in the image and likeness of the God of the Bible.
“Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion …” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” -Genesis 1.26-27
Made like Him to be like Him.
“Until we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” -Ephesians 4.13
“I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” -2 Corinthians 6.18 ESV
It is not the getting, doing, nor being.
It is being formed into His image and likeness, to be like Him.
And that forming is through challenges in life that cause us to act, to do, to make intention and consequence.
“… in this world you will have tribulation [troubles] …” -John 16.33[b]
You are given situations to manage and situations in which to trust Him.
•It is not the wealth of stuff, things, nor people.
•It IS “how well did you walk with Him; how often you did you prefer Him over everything else.”
How well did you manage your heart: your center of who you are?
It is “heart management”; yours.
No one wants to hear this, but it is true: you are going to have problems and issues in this life. Things are going to happen because you made a decision and acted upon it or someone else made a decision and acted on it which impacted your life. Now you have to live with those consequences. Fear not, Jesus has overcome the world … this system of doing things, troubles and consequence of decision.
“… but be of good cheer, I [Jesus] have overcome the world.” -John 16.33[c]
The God of the Bible is not trying to get you through a “life” on Earth.
The God of the Bible is not trying to get you through a “good life” on Earth.
The God of the Bible is trying to get you through situations that require “heart management”.
The God of the Bible is putting you in situations where you have to manage your heart condition and rely on Him. The God of the Bible wants you to be like Him and to be able to live with Him.
“Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.” -Revelation of John 20.6 NKJV
Jesus will get you saved.
Heart management will conform you into His image and likeness.
“… do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12.2
God wants you to be with Him.
God also wants you to be like Him.
“That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” -John 17.21-24
We are required to manage the contents and intents of our heart; and our resulting actions. This is why the Bible teaches us that if we hated anyone and wished them dead it was just as if we murdered them. The same for any other sin – act separating us from God. It is the heart intent. [Matthew 5.21-22, 27-28; 1 John 3.15,17]
Maybe that is why the Lord told Joshua to meditate on the Law day and night, so that Joshua’s heart management would be easier. [Joshua 1.6-9]
You will not escape it. The God of the Bible will test your heart so that you see what is in it. From the outflow of it you will know who you are like and who you are not like. If you are not like your Father, the God of the Bible, then you are like those lost in the world.
Receive Jesus as Savior and Lord and the price paid at the Cross. Begin a relationship with the God of the Bible from there. He will come into your life, give you His Holy Spirit, and walk with you. He will work with you on all of your issues and shortcomings until one day you reflect Him and His heart. And, that is a good place to be.
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Doc Rogers writes.... 