bits from bob....

What's In Your Heart?

by Robert J. Young
©, 2001, Robert J. Young
[permission is given to reprint with credit noted]

What's in your heart? "Keep your heart, for out of it are the issues of life." "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he." Jesus said we speak out of our hearts.

As school draws to a close, students everywhere are taking exams. But each of us takes an exam every day concerning our heart.

• 1. Others test our hearts by what we say. That is why James says so much about taming the tongue and the power of speech. That is why he talks of ships and rudders, horses and bits, sparks and forest fires. The tongue is powerful; it shows others our heart.
• 2. Others examine our hearts by how we love. Jesus said the badge of discipleship would be love among his people. We are commanded to love one another. We are not to limit our love to the lovely and loveable. We are to love all people. Loving churches are growing churches. Love is always evidenced--it shows itself in specific actions, meeting needs and going the second mile. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commands."
• 3. Some read our hearts by how we act. "I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day." You are the only Bible some people will ever read. They will depend upon you to tell them what God is like. Will your heart reflect godliness?
• 4. People test our hearts by our priorities. People examine our lives and determine what is important to us. They watch our habits, our choices, and how we live by the values we profess. They watch us as we worship, and compare our lives to our claims. They watch our punctuality. We do make a statement when we are late for funerals, weddings, and church. In essence, we say, "This is not very important to me."

What's in your heart? Any student will tell you it won't help to know the answers if you don't put them on the answer sheet. Good intentions are not sufficient. As you write each day on your "answer sheet," take care that you write those things that reflect a heart of godliness. Others are watching!