The Heart Of The Matter
Friday January 13, 2017
The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out. But I, God, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be. (Jeremiah 17:9-10 MSG)
When reading the Bible, we become aware that the actions of self-willed, rebellious people is the history of humankind. What is the root cause of people making a mess of things? Our hearts are full of pride and self-will. We choose to do things that are right in our own eyes and live as though God did not exist. God’s solution for our rebellious ways is forgiveness and restoration through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. (Romans 3:23-25a NLT)
Treatment programs, sponsors, counselors, and other activities can help us identify harmful thoughts and behaviour. However, the problem, the underlying source of all our problems, is our rebellious self-will. This is the root issue that needs to be recognized and brought before our Heavenly Father for forgiveness and healing.
A new beginning takes place when we humbly admit that on our own we are powerless, that our lives are unmanageable, and that we need a life-giving relationship with the God who loves and cares for us. Any other solution will lead us back into the insanity from which we are seeking release. Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1 NKJV)
Prayer – Heavenly Father, forgive me for living life in the past as if you did not exist. I ask You today to come close and guide me in all my affairs. My desire is to be ever conscious of Your eternal presence. AMEN
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