September 2019

The Heart of the Matter

Have you ever felt like you were just going through the motions? Ever felt less than authentic? Insignificant? In this life, we are often distracted, discouraged, even disillusioned by the world view of what is acceptable, what qualifies as success, or what we think others expect of us. We can become weary of accomplishing daily tasks in order to live up to a standard set by other people and lose sight of the reality that we were created to live alive unto God.

What do I mean by “alive unto God”? I think it’s a little like being aware of someone you know very well who has just walked into the room where you are, even though your back is to the door. You haven’t seen them yet, but you’ve felt their presence, maybe heard their movements or their voice. You are suddenly “alive” to them, all senses tuned to receive their person.

God placed eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11) so that we could recognize Him when He reveals Himself. It is not a logical, human understanding or recognition. It is entirely spiritual. And it is your heart that He is jealous for. He looks to your motive before He looks to your actions. What is it that motivates you? If you’re like me, you don’t always know the true answer to that.

From time to time, I ask the Lord to “create in me a clean heart and renew a right or steadfast spirit within me” (Ps 51:10). I need Him to address the impure motives which are the plight of my human nature. I need to enter into a transaction with Him, whereby my nature is exchanged for His nature. So, it is by faith that I reckon myself crucified with Him and receive His life, His love, His heart.

Galatians 2:20 — I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (NKJV)

I am authenticated by Him. I am valued by Him. I am loved by Him. Ought not my motive for living then be the utmost devotion to Him and to all that He desires?

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing; Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on a cross, my burdens gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin. Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, how great Thou art!

Beloved, take some time this week to ponder why it is that you love Him. It will do you good to rehearse His goodness to you and remark upon His love for you. Ephesians 1 and 2 are great references for this exercise.

Until next week, remain in His love and bear the fruit of love. If you would like to comment or share with the greater Cultivating Faithfulness community, please email via Contact Us in the top menu.

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