The Heart Unit

My first professional job was in the hospital setting.  Just about door to door to our office was the cardiac testing unit.  This was one of the busiest floors in the hospital.  Patients were continuously coming in for an evaluation of their heart.  Trained professionals would then administer a series of tests with the assistance of various health equipment.  This is the only way to analyze the patient’s heart and function well.  

I have to admit, about every three of four patients physically appeared the healthiest of people. 

But it wasn’t always so, per testing results. 

Most were then assigned a strict regimen, where they were treated and closely monitored for a period of time.  

Sadly, a select few took the results and never returned, thus refusing treatment.

I have found that one of the Bible’s primary functions is precisely the same.  When you spend time in the word, it acts as a probing instrument that accurately reflects the true condition of your spiritual heart.  

Your conscience will affirm it and say, "YES, that sounds just like me".

The Bible explains it as someone who comes to a mirror to find their reflection. They don’t know their appearance until “they come to the mirror”.  Likewise, though you seem to be well, you can’t know your heart condition until you come to the word.  

Anyone who listens to the word …is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror… (1 Ja. 1:23 NIV)

But it doesn’t just reveal your true heart condition.  It will treat it as long as you consistently remain in the word.  In other words, administer a treatment regimen.   It will bring to the attention things that are out of order and enable the individual to make all necessary adjustments to align with God’s requirements.  

Sadly, there will always be the select few who take the test but refuse treatment.  The Bible says they are those who look in the mirror but then totally disregard what they see.  Thus, remain unchanged in their sickened condition.

…after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like… (1 Ja. 1:23 NIV)

 

“Remember that while you are reading your Bible, your Bible is also reading you.”  - Author Unknown 

 

 

“…As I studied the Bible, even though I could not fully understand it, I became conscious that I was being measured by some standard that was not my own, nor that of any human being.”   -Derek Prince