A heart fix

We have four daughters and of the four there is one that absolutely dislikes going to the dentist.  Any form of dental work daunts her.  The night before her routine cleaning appointments, she scrubs and flosses the surface of every tooth.  

So, I repeatedly have to explain to her, that it’s not the momentary polished surface of her teeth, that the dentist is so concerned about.  He’s on the lookout for issues that are far beyond the visible surface.  Such as built-up plaque or the beginning phases of a decaying tooth.  Something only the dentist can see and fix.

In the same way, Christians often fear the presence of God.  

They feel a momentary brush up on their behavior will please God.  

Or they think, “I’ve had a bad day today, he won’t hear me”.  So, they shy away and distance themselves from him.

But God’s main concern is far deeper than what we presently see.  He’s concerned about heart issues that are hidden and have developed at the core of our being. 

The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 

Distancing from him, is much like my daughter attempting to distance herself from the dentist. 

It is only in his presence (time spent in the word and prayer) that our heart issues can be fixed.  

Routinely soaking in the word, is much like routinely checking up with the physician.  The word addresses every issue of the heart at its core.  

Notice how Jesus addresses the religious leaders of that time

…My word has no place [to grow] in you [and it makes no change in your heart]. (John 8:37 Amp)

In other words, if only you would pay attention to my word, it would entirely change the unseen makeup of your heart.

 

“Satan’s greatest weapon is man’s ignorance of God’s word.”  - A.W. Tozer 

Supporting text 

Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly…(John 7:24 NLT)

My heart is fixed (ps. 57:7)

For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.