for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also. Matthew 6:21 AMP
The Context and Focus:
Following on from recent devotions speaking to the importance of treasures, it is also quite critical to consider the foundation of the search for these treasures and how we can make sure we get the motive and end right. What is the use of a house full of treasures if they do not benefit the holder or owner? The key to the right acquisition, application and disposition of treasures lies in the heart. What then is this heart? There are interesting definitions online, and two are: 'a hollow muscular organ that pumps the blood through the circulatory system by rhythmic contraction and dilation.' The other is: 'the central or innermost part of something'. We have the physical organ of the heart, and also the inner, unseen part that sits in the centre of all we are and do. Both definitions show the importance of the heart and why I need to be sure it is right, so that all it seeks is right, and I can also end up in the right place. This key understanding is quite relevant to both my earthly and eternal realities.
The Message:
The physical heart pumps blood through the body's circulatory system. It ensures all parts get what they need to keep working well. In the same way, the spiritual heart should keep the lifeblood of God flowing through our spiritual bodies, so that we function the way God wants us to. Sin came and tampered with that original plan. Because of sin, the heart had become polluted, and now seeks only the things that give it temporary pleasure. However, by salvation and redemption, the original plan is still in place, free and available for all who seek to come. The place of the spiritual heart is quite critical to God's purpose, as we see in Deuteronomy, when God was giving Israel the commandments. One key one was this: 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and with all your soul and with all your strength'. The heart was mentioned first; it defines my priorities. It sets out what it considers important and then applies itself in the pursuit of that thing. This is why, long before a man seeks things, he has to first seek to set the heart right. If the heart is right, its pursuits will be right. If it is not right, everything it touches will be polluted. It is very dangerous to seek things, before you submit your heart to the control and influence of God. An unsurrendered heart can never seek the things that God desires the right way.
The Conclusion:
Is it then a surprise when God gives his verdict about the human heart, when he says that 'The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it'?
He also said 'A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh'. God needs a heart on which he can write on and also influence the right way. It is quite clear that the old human heart is beyond help, and only a surgical operation, carried out by God, can bring out a heart that is receptive to God. When God has worked on the heart, it will seek the things that glorify God. For anyone who has truly experienced God, there is nothing else that can hold your heart and attention. When a man has been in the presence of the Living God, nothing else can hold the same appeal. If I really want to know where my heart lies, take a critical look at all you own, and honestly consider where you will be if everything you see and have now is taken from you. Would you still hold on to God or would you quit? Your answer defines what and where your treasure is. A fire is coming that will destroy all that the world owns and gives. When all has been said and done, what else would you have? God's time of favour is here.
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