Glenn W. Harrell
Each generation, we see the benign attempts of improving the human condition through education. We get smarter criminals.
More and more materialism with ease and comfort only serve to flame the quest for independence from God. The disappointment from amassing material goods into our lives as idols—all the stuff that was supposed to make us happy and fulfilled, can be overwhelming. Depression is a common side-effect and there is no pill for its cure.
Ethnic hatred and isolation are so prevalent that laws must be passed. While the law hopes to enforce right behaviors, time has proven that these laws simply remind us of how many law breakers there really are and more significantly, just how very powerless the law is to repair the human condition. There aren’t enough jails to contain us.
There is one big roadblock stubbornly in the path of human advancement and hope for individual peace –
The Human heart and its depravity. We believe and behave through our heart.
The “heart”, used some 900 times throughout the bible, is a metaphor for the mind, will and emotions; center of operations-the total inner, spiritual man.
Jesus said,
“Out of your heart comes evil thoughts, murder, and unfaithfulness in marriage, vulgar deeds, stealing, telling lies, and insulting others.” (Matt 15:19)
The best thing that could ever happen to the human heart is that Jesus comes into it and does what only he can do. This very heart is what we use to believe in him…
“So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. God will accept you and save you, if you truly believe this and tell it to others.” (Romans 10:9-10)
This heart is transformed by his presence so that we can understand eternity.
Now set your heart on what is in heaven, where Christ rules at God’s right side.” (Colossians 3:1)
So yes, let Christ in. Invite him in. Welcome him in by all means. This is quite biblical. “Listen! I am standing and knocking at your door. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will eat together.” –Jesus (Revelation 3:20)
For the heart will remain desperately wicked without his presence.
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
It may be a mystery but it is real.
“And the mystery is that Christ lives in you, and he is your hope of sharing in God’s glory.” (Colossians 1:27)
Lord Jesus, This world is plastic. Those who seem to have the most in wealth, fame, beauty and power are so often the poorest among us. Please remake me from the inside out so that, by living in me, your light can shine through me. Give me a new heart. Make me poor in spirit and rich in love I pray.
“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new. God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others. (II Corinthians 5:17-18)
“You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following him. Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.” (Colossians 2:6-7)
“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
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