I have five electrodes stuck on my chest that are attached to a monitor that records the behavior of my heart. After thirty days the record will be sent to my doctor for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
This got me thinking about what kind of report would be given if the spiritual activity of our heart was being recorded, and then sent to God.
Of course, God doesn’t need a monitor to see what’s going on in the heart of man, for God “sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7)
Still, if we thought we were hooked up to some kind of spiritual monitor, it might cause us to stop and think about what we are allowing to take place within our heart. And Jesus made it clear that some pretty awful things can come out of our hearts.“Out of the heart of men proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.” (Mark 7:21-22)
And He knows when it’s happening.“And Jesus knowing their thoughts said,‘Why are you thinking evil in your hearts?’” (Matthew 9:4)
If we would keep evil from filling our hearts, we must fill them with God’s word, as did David. “Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee.” (Psalm 119:11) And then, if our spiritual monitor sends a signal that we are still having a heart problem, we can again do as David did. We can pray, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)
God is able to cleanse our hearts by faith (Acts 15:8-9) and fill us with the Spirit, enabling us to sing spiritual songs and make melody with our heart to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:19)
I won’t know what the cardiologist has to say for several weeks, but I know through Christ my heart has been made clean, and I’m still singing hymns and making melodies in my heart. That is, in the one that can still keep a steady beat.
God Bless, Rick
Chatham Christian Church 