January 6 Reading: Genesis 13-15, Matthew 5:21-48, Psalm 5:1-5, Proverbs 1:14-15

Matthew 5 expresses the heart of God and takes the wind out of the sails of the self-righteous.  It is easy for those of us raised in religious homes with solid values to look down on the world.  I have never murdered anyone or robbed a bank.  I have never committed adultery.  So, if it were not for Jesus’ words in Matthew 5, I could set myself on high as judge and jury.   

But Jesus messed all that up.  He told his disciples that it was not enough to just avoid murder.  If you hated someone else in your heart, that would be the same root sin as murder.  Oh, certainly, the consequences are different, but the heart is the same.  I have certainly wished evil on others even if I did not act out on that desire.  I have held murder in my heart if not in my hands.  And adultery?  I can look my wife in the eyes and tell her I have been faithful to her before we were married and every day since.  But if she asks if I have every looked at another women with lust in my heart?  Well, lets move on to another topic. 

God cares about the heart.  He cares about what is going on deep inside us, what is going on in our hearts. Am I living by my body’s passions or by the Spirit’s desires?  Is my heart under God’s control? Am I following my own emotions or the Word of God?  Our ultimate goal is not to achieve greater things in this world - to be successful, healthy or prosperous. It’s not about the externals.  Its about our hearts.  Are they pure before God? Are they under his control? 

God cares about every aspect of my life, but the things he cares most about flow from my heart. 

Lord, may my heart be pure and focused on you,  The world looks at the outside, but you look at the heart. Today, as I go through this day, may my heart be yours.