How Pure is the Lifestyle of Your Heart?

© 2021 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

Once upon a time, there was a man who really disliked the idea of submitting himself to any master.  Consequently, he refused to believe in the Creator.  He demanded the freedom to live life in a manner which he believed would bring him the most pleasure.  He rejected the idea of a God who had the right to restrict his pursuit of pleasure in any way.  Consequently, this man chose to ignore God’s commands as presented in the Bible.  He chose a lifestyle, which God prohibited, and neglected activities which God commanded.  Instead of following Biblical principles, the pursuit of pleasure became his primary goal.

This man’s life left a trail of destruction, pain, death, and disease in its wake.  His lifestyle became a source of great harm to many people along the way.  Though he experienced much short lived pleasure, this man missed out on the satisfaction God gives to those who follow Him.  In the end, he shall face that Creator, whom he denied, as his final judge.

Scripture summarizes the consequences of such a lifestyle.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12, see also Proverbs 16:25)

You and I sometimes pride ourselves for avoiding the actual performance of certain evil deeds.  However, even when we think about doing evil, without actually doing it, God knows the inner thoughts of our hearts.  The Psalmist said,

“Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.” (Psalms 139:2)

Jesus said,

“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:  All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” (Mark 7:21-23)

God, the Son, came to save sinners.  He holds us responsible for our thoughts, even if we don’t act on them.  Because of this, many of us tend to think we’re righteous when, in God’s eyes, we’re not.  Jesus said:

“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32)

God the Son, Jesus, died on the cross to save repentant sinners by paying the penalty for their sins. After three days and three nights, He rose from the dead as prophesied.  This demonstrated His right and ability to forgive.  If you understand your sinfulness, heed the call of Jesus, the Savior.  Repent and receive forgiveness.

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