Dr Lizette Mobey
When we travel through life, we encounter many different trials and tribulations. Some of these experiences severely impact our lives and we find ourselves lost. We find ourselves entrenched in and by the troubles and demands of the world around us. It is wise to examine our own heart and what is happening in it.
To examine is to inspect, to determine condition or even to test proficiency. The heart of man is the kardia (in Greek) of man, it is the centre for physical and emotional, moral and intellectual endeavours. [Just a side note – the word heart occurs over a thousand times in the Bible!!!]
Jesus warns us that the secrets of our hearts are often betrayed by what we say (Matthew 12:34). When our heart is not well it finds expression in what we do and say. He (Jesus) illustrates this point by telling us the parable of the sower. In Luke 8:4-15 he compares the condition of the heart of man to the condition of the soil in a farmer’s field. It illustrates how we at times respond to the Word of God.
For us to understand the condition of our heart we need to intentionally examine it. Here are four questions to help us with the examination:
1. What truth am I refusing to believe? Luke 8:12 is like the seed that is scattered on the path, it is being trampled and blown away before it can grow. Sometimes we hear a truth, and we are defensive rather than receptive.
2. What truth do I no longer believe? Luke 8:13, teaches us that when we neglect the Word of God we weaken and decline because of a shallow root system. Think back on your faith journey, can you recall a forgotten promise from God, that you have stopped believing in?
3. What truth is being overshadowed by lies? Luke 8:14 – is the field full of weeds/thorns. These are the lies that find a place in our hearts. Lies about our self-worth, our abilities, our future, our family, etc. When we do not make the Word of God our priority our hearts become overrun with weeds/thorns.
4. What truth is bearing fruit in my life right now? Luke 8:15. Not all bad news when we examine our hearts, also look for the “good.” What a wonderful discovery to realize that even while we are hurting and our hearts need examination, God is already working in us, despite ourselves.
Pray for change where needed and exalt in gratitude where applicable.
Proverbs 27:19 “As in water face reflects face, So the heart of man reflects man.