By Terry Clark
There will always be things vying for our attention, especially on Sundays. I recall a time when stores would be closed on Sunday or open after 12:00 pm, and organized community sports were not played on Sundays. Sadly today, Sunday is just another day for some.
Sports, going to the lake, “it’s my only day off”, and “it’s my only time with family” have slowly replaced the desire to worship God on the first day of the week, which is also contrary to the command that we come together to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:23-25). These attitudes, behaviors, and omissions point to signs of a heart condition.
The parable of the rich young ruler in in Matthew 19:16-22 illustrates the heart condition of a man who chose the things of this earth over the treasures that await in heaven. Matthew 6:1921 warns of this condition and prescribes the remedy: to only lay up treasures in heaven.
Interests, hobbies, education pursuits, careers, travel and other passions are not entirely wrong. They become wrong when they supersede or replace our passion for serving God. Substitutions for God damage the heart and can be fatal.
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels”” (Mark 8:34-38).
For those who have physically experienced heart conditions and for me having personally lost my father to heart disease, one knows the physical heart is not something to take for granted or handle carelessly. Greater importance is to take heed and guard the spiritual heart.
What is the condition of your spiritual heart today? Has your heart’s focus turned to the things of this earth at the expense of serving God, at the expense of fellowshipping and serving brethren, and even at the expense your soul? All Christians need regular heart checkups.