Altered

We went out to dinner last night and ordered hot tea to go with our Japanese cuisine. The ceramic cups were brought to us. Each one piping hot, filled with water and one tea bag. It is an interesting visual to watch tea being infused in a cup of hot water. Water turns into tea, and the transaction cannot be undone. “Infuse: to cause to be permeated with something that alters.” (Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary)

We are altered, changed, by the presence of God. When we receive His salvation, the grace of His person infuses our being, and we are given new hearts, out of which flow the obedience of love. We can know a large amount of information about God through intellectual efforts, but we cannot know Him apart from a heart that has been opened to Him. As Paul writes in Ephesians 1:18, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints….”

The mind is an amazing computer. It is constantly storing and analyzing data, solving problems and searching for patterns. The heart, however, is where passion burns and life flows. It is from the heart that submission and obedience are given. It is from the heart that gratitude and praise arise. And, it is to the heart that joy comes, in the truth of communion when hearts beat as one.

In this vein (pun most assuredly intended), we can see the beauty of unity in Christ. A unity brought about by the infusion of the love of God in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. We are changed from selfish, sin-filled humans into new creations, fit for the Kingdom of God. (2 Corinthians 5:17) And more, for “you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5 NASB)

What infusion of grace do you require, dear one? Does your heart long for an alteration? It is the Father’s own heart that draws you and longs to be gracious to you. (Isaiah 30:18) “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NASB)

Until next week, beloved, may the God of peace bring new wine out of you.