Matters of the Heart
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”1 Samuel 16:7
Today’s verse is a challenge that zeroes in on the heart. We’re not talking about the external application of heart matters. We’re not talking about relationships, or outward stands. Today, we’ll be addressing the part that only God sees. Some, even in Christian circles, would criticize an old-fashioned church that encourages a distinctive lifestyle, set apart from the world. We’re not about outward appearance. Standards are not the goal; JESUS is the goal!
Our purpose statement as a church starts with inspiring people to develop a heart for God. If our hearts are being transformed by God, it will definitely show outwardly. Being right with God renews us from the inside out. Folks, the Lord wants us to keep a heart that’s sensitive to Him. One of the challenges facing a Christian today is maintaining a tender heart towards God.
But don’t discount the fact that people look at the external—we’re oftentimes judged by others by the words we speak, how we dress, how we act. That’s why it’s very important to have a godly testimony, but God is most interested in our attitude towards Him. Do we have a clear conscience? Do we keep short accounts with God? What motivates us in serving the Lord? Ephesians 6:6 says, “Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” God-honoring ministry must be a ministry of the heart. When the heart is pure, the vision is clear.
Oftentimes, in counseling with people, it is obvious when folks are not in tune with the Lord. They have a scornful attitude towards the Bible, and they’re planning things that don’t make sense for the testimony of God. Their hearts are not where they should be. We need to understand the authority of God and the authority of the Bible in our lives. We must have an awe and reverence for the Lord not only when we’re in church, but seven days a week!
God wants us to have a prayerful heart, a heart that is in constant communion with Him. How are we doing in this department? If we are to get insight from the mind of God, we are to do what 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, and that is to “pray without ceasing.” Do we tune God in and then tune Him out five minutes later? Friends, God doesn’t want us to make Him a mere crisis manager, where we call on Him only when our lives are in a state of emergency. He desires for us to talk to Him while we’re driving, while we’re running errands, while we’re about our daily business. He wants us to enjoy our relationship with Him. Let’s try to develop a closer walk with the Lord. Let’s endeavor to keep our hearts right with Him every day this year.
“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”1 Samuel 16:7
Today’s verse is a challenge that zeroes in on the heart. We’re not talking about the external application of heart matters. We’re not talking about relationships, or outward stands. Today, we’ll be addressing the part that only God sees. Some, even in Christian circles, would criticize an old-fashioned church that encourages a distinctive lifestyle, set apart from the world. We’re not about outward appearance. Standards are not the goal; JESUS is the goal!
Our purpose statement as a church starts with inspiring people to develop a heart for God. If our hearts are being transformed by God, it will definitely show outwardly. Being right with God renews us from the inside out. Folks, the Lord wants us to keep a heart that’s sensitive to Him. One of the challenges facing a Christian today is maintaining a tender heart towards God.
But don’t discount the fact that people look at the external—we’re oftentimes judged by others by the words we speak, how we dress, how we act. That’s why it’s very important to have a godly testimony, but God is most interested in our attitude towards Him. Do we have a clear conscience? Do we keep short accounts with God? What motivates us in serving the Lord? Ephesians 6:6 says, “Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” God-honoring ministry must be a ministry of the heart. When the heart is pure, the vision is clear.
Oftentimes, in counseling with people, it is obvious when folks are not in tune with the Lord. They have a scornful attitude towards the Bible, and they’re planning things that don’t make sense for the testimony of God. Their hearts are not where they should be. We need to understand the authority of God and the authority of the Bible in our lives. We must have an awe and reverence for the Lord not only when we’re in church, but seven days a week!
God wants us to have a prayerful heart, a heart that is in constant communion with Him. How are we doing in this department? If we are to get insight from the mind of God, we are to do what 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, and that is to “pray without ceasing.” Do we tune God in and then tune Him out five minutes later? Friends, God doesn’t want us to make Him a mere crisis manager, where we call on Him only when our lives are in a state of emergency. He desires for us to talk to Him while we’re driving, while we’re running errands, while we’re about our daily business. He wants us to enjoy our relationship with Him. Let’s try to develop a closer walk with the Lord. Let’s endeavor to keep our hearts right with Him every day this year.
posted by mS eLoVe | 1:36 PM
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