A Transformed Heart

The condition of your heart will influence every decision you make in life. Whether you're deciding who to marry, what career to pursue, or where to spend your Friday nights, a dirty heart will result in a dirty life 100% of the time. It's for this reason that I always cringe when someone who's facing a major life decision is told "just follow your heart." Although I can't say going with your gut instinct is always a bad idea (common sense is a wonderful gift), I also know that "the heart is deceitful above all things" (Jer. 17:9). Adam's and Eve's sin in the Garden means that our own judgment is often skewed by the sins of pride and selfishness (Rom. 5:12), even if we don't realize it.

But no matter how much I try to bypass human nature by taking all things to God in prayer, the fact of the matter, as we see in today's Scripture, is that every issue of life is affected by the condition of your heart. Think of it as the engine that drives every decision you make, every reaction you have, and every dollar that you spend. No amount of effort can override its influence on your daily life, even if these efforts are coupled with the powerful tools of prayer and Bible study. The solution to humanity's predicament, then, is not a spiritual form of "heart bypass surgery", but instead allowing God to fulfill in our lives the promise of Ezekiel 36:26:

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. "

In other words, we must become a "new creation", and be "transformed by the renewing of our minds." (2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 12:2) That's why a commitment to Scripture memorization is vitally important in the life of every believer. Consider David's observation, as recorded in Psalm 19:7,

"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul..."

God's Word holds an unparalleled power to transform lives, especially when diligence is given to studying it daily and meditating on its teachings "day and night." (Ps. 1:2) And unless you have constant access to a physical copy of the Bible and nothing but free time to spend reading it, this type of constant meditation will only be possible if you have memorized verses to take with you onto the battlefield of daily life. The best part is that the transforming power of God's Word is most evident when working from the inside out. Following your heart isn't such bad advice when spoken to someone whose heart is overflowing with the very thoughts of "God our Savior, Who alone is wise." (Jude 1:25)