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"The Heart" 4/08/01 Past/Future Articles |
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"The Heart" 4/08/01 Past/Future Articles |
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While on earth we are inclined to equate rewards with performance. Example would be the man with the big house, car, fine clothes, etc. has labored much and harnered great wealth. Is it not likely then that we would use the same reasoning in the spiritual realm? That one who has attended more worship services, visited more sick and given greater contributions be more important in the Lord's eyes. NOT SO! Our spiritual rewards are not based on greatness of the things we do. However we are told in James 2:17 that "faith without works is dead being alone." So we see there is a work we must do. But at this time we want to talk about a God who looks on the servitude of man out of a pure heart.
Many times I have pondered the love God had for David in lieu of the many sins he committed (Adultery, Murder, Lied, etc..). Consequently, when studying the King's life and writings, we cannot help but learn of his living, penitent heart striving to serve his God. Look at Peter. Although outspoken and wrong at times, he had the obedient heart to say I have sinned, and repent becoming one of the greatest leaders in the Kingdom of God. God saw in Peter, the fisherman, the qualitties conducive to the spreading of the gospel. He saw the strength it would take to preach to the Jews and help guide the young church in Jerusalem.
In I Peter 3:21 we read "not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God." We see the saving power is not in the water, but in the penitent, obedient heart willing to humble itself to God's commands. So let us examine ourselves that we maintain a humble and contrite heart (Isaiah 66:2) governed by the world of God.
Walter M. Bishop, Elder