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– PERFECTING THE HEART – 7
Perfecting the heart is
a process that is ongoing until the end of life. Phil.3:12 With Paul we can
say that we have not obtained it, but we need to say, we “press on” . Many
characteristics are involved for our heart is the center of our spiritual
life. Our thinking is so important for
as we think, so are we. Prov.23:7
Scripture gives us a filter for our thoughts to keep us centered on
perfecting our heart. Phil.4:8
Many things of the
world can divide our heart such as pride, jealousy, selfish ambition, love of
money, impure desires, worldly friends, and worldly entertainment. Anything that would take our heart away from
our Lord would divide our heart and lead us astray. In his letter to the Galatians Paul asked an
important question. Gal.3:3 What a drastic
mistake to begin to live a life in Christ and then to think we could be
perfected by things of the world.
God’s will for us is to
be thankful in everything. 1 Thess.5:18 We teach children to say “Thank-you”. Why would we not give thanks to our Creator
that has given us everything we have. Eph.5:20
We take life and salvation for granted and become so ungrateful as
we forget who allows us to have and do so much.
We expect God to answer our prayers but without thanksgiving. Phil.4:6 Thanksgiving is tied to
contentment. How could a person be
thankful if they were always complaining and desiring all to be different. Phil.4:11
Perfecting our heart
comes with obedience. The cause of our
longing to obey comes from love for that
is the basis of all a Christian believes, does, or thinks. 2
Jhn.6 Our love is perfected as we
keep God’s Word. 1 Jhn.2:5
Forgiveness has such a
big part in perfecting our heart. We can
say we know we are sinners but how deeply do we feel this. Do we forget why we accepted Jesus as our
Savior? A savior saves from
something. Someone is about to drown and
someone comes along and saves him. Jesus
gave His life to save us from a destruction much worse than
drowning—eternal destruction that goes on and on. Now—as Jesus forgave us for so much, we must
forgive our brother. Mk.11:25
Anything against anyone doesn’t
leave much room to escape this commandment.
Matt.6:15
Humility is a lost character
trait. We are number one, so we
think. Our desires do not differ from
James and John who wanted to be seated on either side of Jesus in His
kingdom. Matt.20:26,27 The great
description of love includes the phrase does
not brag, is not arrogant. 1 Cor.13:4
We must realize that without Jesus, we can do nothing. Jhn.15:5
Perfecting the heart
requires steadfastness. 1 Cor.15:58 Immovable is a good description. We cannot be blown about from one doctrine to
another. Eph.4:14 Too many chase
their own preference. If we are going to
perfect our heart, we must stay with the Truth.
The verse before this describes what we must be. Eph.4:13
We were assured of the
Truth and of Jesus as our Savior so we must hold fast to that assurance. Heb.3:14 An anchor holds a boat fast to the
shore. Our steadfast hope is our anchor
that holds our soul fast to our Lord. Heb.6:19
Peter warned Christians about those men of wickedness that would try
to influence them. They are all around
us as well. Let us take the warning that
Peter gave in 2 Pet.3:17.
So many distractions
surround us. Those running a race cannot
be looking around at the sights as they pass by or at the people that may be
watching. A Christian is running the
race of life. Our eyes must be fixed on Jesus
while we run with steadfastness. Steadfastness
is defined as determined and unwavering.
Single-minded is also a synonym.
We have examples of many steadfast, faithful men of old. Using them as our examples, we can also be
steadfast if we don’t let distractions and sin obliterate our goal. Heb.12:1,2
The early Christians
were very faithful in what they were being taught. Notice how they were continually devoting
themselves to teaching, fellowship, prayer, and the breaking of bread. They were in the process of perfecting their
heart by these means. Acts 2:42
They were steadfast. If we,
likewise, remain steadfast in these things, our hearts can move forward to
perfection.
2
Thess.2:15 The
above are traditions to be followed as they are biblical and spiritual. Standing firm is being steadfast. Unmovable depicts our stand for biblical
teaching and living. In Gal.5:1 those that were trying to
follow the Law and Christ were admonished to stand firm in the freedom from the
law that Christ had provided.
Standing firm with
resolve and alertness requires faith. 1 Cor.16:13 We don’t do this alone for an armor is
provided but we must use it. Eph.6:14
This is only the beginning of that armor. There is also help from the Holy Spirit who
is our mainstay. 1 Jhn.4:4 When we
steadfastly fight the good fight of our faith, then we can lay hold on eternal
life with our Lord. 1 Tim.6:12
David recognized the
importance of having a clean heart and a steadfast spirit. Ps.51:10 He experienced great joy as his heart
was steadfast. Can we? Ps.57:7 That joy can be ours with a
steadfast heart in progressing toward perfection. Col.1:22,23 Our righteousness is not ours but that
of our Lord. 2 Cor.5:21 He may establish (steadfastly) your hearts without blame in holiness. Oh, praise the Lord that help is given for
that we could never accomplish alone.
As we remain steadfast
in progressing toward the end in perfecting our heart, may we be able to say
with Paul, I have fought the good
fight. 2 Tim.4:7,8
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