A Change of Heart

 

Growing up, we were raised in a conservative environment.  Over time, some strong convictions we held became less relevant. One conviction our parents held for a long time was their views on jewelry. My friend shared a story about trying to convince her dad to let her get her ears pierced. She insisted it was okay, but he strongly opposed it. Finally, she said, "You know, I probably won't ever get my ears pierced because it will upset you. But it doesn't change that it's a desire of my heart. That is probably the same as if I already got them done." She said they both agreed on that.

As believers, we can sometimes think that just avoiding things we are told are wrong is enough to make us good and pleasing to God. We can miss the need for a heart change. What really pleases God, however, is when our hearts are truly changed through a real relationship with Him.

Jesus told a story about a father and his two sons. 

The younger son asked for his share of the inheritance, then left home and wasted all his money on wild living and parties. When he had nothing left, he realized his mistake and went back home, asking his father for forgiveness and offering to work as a servant. Instead, his father welcomed him with open arms, threw a celebration, and prepared the best calf. Their relationship was restored, and he had a change of heart.

But there was also the older son. He stayed with his father and never left nor did he waste his inheritance. When he saw the celebration for his brother, he became upset and said,

‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.  (Lu. 15:29)

Notice that he wanted to celebrate with his friends. Even though the older son never disobeyed the father's rules, he never really cared for a relationship with his father either. In his heart, he was not much different from his brother who left and wasted the inheritance. He just wanted to have fun with his friends.  

Real change of heart occurs only when we maintain a relationship with the Father, and he transforms us on the inside.