Matters of the Heart

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).

Jesus taught that matters of the heart, our attitudes, are more important than trying to keep a long list of rules. The Pharisees tried to be rule-keepers, and it didn't work. Jesus had to come to earth and die on a cross as our sacrifice because we couldn't keep the Law without breaking some part of it. Being a Christian is more about having a loving relationship with Jesus and letting Him be our Guide.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:17).

Jesus presented a new way of keeping the faith. We're to allow Him to come into our lives and change us. Having a changed heart will lead to a changed life, but we can't do this without Jesus as our Lord and Savior. It's not about keeping the rules but about an intimate, personal, relationship with our Creator. It's about wanting to please Him more than anyone else, not for what might be in it for us but because we love Him above all else. He's the top priority in our lives.

Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven (Matthew 7:21).

Too many people try asking Jesus to be their Savior without changing or allowing Him to be their Lord. They might call themselves Christians, but they don't really belong to Him. On Judgment Day, He'll say, "Depart from Me. I never knew you." Where do you stand with Jesus? It's not too late to make changes. You just need to be willing and surrender. Jesus does all the work, and His grace will give you a fresh start.

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