Is Your Heart Right with God?

"Is thine heart right..?"  - 2 Kings 10:15 (KJV)

"Is your heart right?" How we answer this question can and does affect our relationship with God. Although there are many ways to respond, there is only one, meaningful way in which it can be genuinely answered, in front of God.

Certainly some may flippantly answer to "Is thine heart right? in a careless and indifferent manner. But as we shall see, there is only one meaningful and significant way to answer honestly from the deepest recesses of our heart.

A reply from the heart of one who has continually resisted the grace of God follows a familiar pattern. They find it rather easy to sin, are deceitful, have no remorse for it, nor do they care about any meaning of religion.

For example, when asked "Is my heart right?" They might answer, "Yes, I guess so. I'm really not that good, but I'm not that bad either." This reply serves little purpose, if any. In their "Yes," God sees "No." In their "My heart is right," God interprets it as "deceitful and wicked." 

Or maybe their answer isn't so much insincere and meaningless as it is impulsive and over-confident. If asked "Is your heart right?" a reply might be "Yes, I truly hate what is bad, and loathe myself for weakly giving in to it. But, things will be different from now on."

The problem here is that their answer is not one at all. True, the desire is stronger than a weak wish, still, there's more to it. It requires not only a strong desire, but a determined effort. Yet, it goes even beyond mere effort and includes an intense, overwhelming passion.

However, no matter the determination or dedication, if it is made in our own strength, what good is it? We need God's help, motivation, and inspiration to make it happen. I remind you of the often quoted proverb, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

Let's consider one more answer to our question, "Is thine heart right?" We've seen that some reply to this question carelessly, and others arrogantly. Fortunately, this isn't across the board as many will answer in a deeper, submissive, heartfelt, and earnest manner.

"Even though my heart hasn't always been right, it's not made of stone. I know that my own strength is weakness, and my righteousness is total sin. Still, 'I lift up my eyes to the mountains-- where does my help come from?'" (Psalm 121:1)

If the heart isn't right, nothing else is. Without this crucial truth, even your most superior behavior will be offensive in the sight of God, who "doesn't see things the way you see them." 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)

In closing, if you're aware that your heart isn't right, remember "God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything" (1 John 3:20). While it may be safe from human inspection, it doesn't pass God's eye (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Set your heart right today!

Scripture: Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26; Jeremiah 17:9; Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 5:8

Prayer: Dear God, with my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Amen.  - Psalm 119:10

May God bless you,

Lainey