<%@LANGUAGE="JAVASCRIPT" CODEPAGE="1252"%> Untitled Document

"I Know In My Heart..."
This phrase is uttered by millions of people around the world. The heart as used in the Scriptures refers to the seat or strength of life. As we talk about the human organ that pumps the blood, there is no question. Without the heart working properly, there is no life. The Scriptures also describe the word heart to mean the mind, soul, spirit, and even the entirety of ones thinking and emotional nature. Sometimes the phrase "heart" means to get to the center or middle of a thing or concept. The word is used hundreds of times in the scriptures.
Where we must be careful in uttering the phrase of our title is making sure it is not based on false information. Most people who use this phrase are referring to their feelings that they are connected with God in some relationship. Many claim to have such a relationship with God and Jesus, but their actions speak differently. Titus 1:16 addresses this problem.
We also must be aware that the heart is not a good guide. Jeremiah 17:9 reads: "The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?" Also from Matthew 15:18-19 we read: "But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things that defile the man..."
In the early days of mankind, we see that sin was within the heart of the people. God spoke in Genesis 6:5: "The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually".
We also need to learn and understand that serving the Lord needs to be with our entire being. Usually the heart is what directs this action. We read in Deuteronomy 11:13 that we are to serve the Lord God with all our heart. Other passages add the mind, soul, and strength necessary to be dedicated in purpose to serve God.
Notice some examples of people who purposed in their heart to do what was right. Ezra 7:10: For Ezra purposed in his heart to learn the law of the LORD, so that he could do it, and to teach His statutes in Israel". Daniel 1:8 "For Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's food..."
The heart is also not limited to an individual. There are several times in the Bible where the phrase "The heart of the people" is used. Remember when Isaiah wrote: "Because this people draw near with their words and honor me with their lip service, but their heart is far from Me" (Isaiah 29:13). Jesus quoted Isaiah when speaking of the house of Israel.
We must acknowledge that God is not in the heart of most people. The only way to change people is through the heart. When Peter preached on Pentecost, the word says that "they were pricked in their heart" and asked what they needed to do (Acts 2:37).
There is so much more we can say about the heart. Do yourself a favor and go through the Bible and see all the passages with the word "heart". Study them and your heart will be changed and motivated to do God's will. We all need to work on the people we know to fix the heart problem of our homes and our nation. Until we do so, problems will continue. When we put God in our hearts, things will be much better.
By Carey Scott

Return to the General Articles page

Home / Bible studies / Bible Survey / Special Studies / General Articles / Non-Bible Articles / Sermons / Sermon Outlines / Links / Questions and Answers / What Saith The Scriptures /Daily Devotional / Correspondence Courses / What is the Church of Christ / Book: Christian Growth / Website Policy / E-mail / About Me /