Part two: A Heart Divided
Pop quiz: Heart Check
Answer the following with a true or a false:
I’m proud of my accomplishments and share them so others know they can trust me.
I enjoy heated debates over opinionated topics.
There are people I really dislike and would prefer not to be around them. Ever. Again.
I follow the rules and choose to love God and follow Jesus so I’ll be saved.
I love coming up with new ways to show God’s love and be a good example for Him.
I’m often afraid of what will happen if I make a mistake or disappoint God.
God wants us to seek justice because He hates all that is evil.
I love to pray because God is faithful.
I have worked really hard to be the kind of person that can glorify God.
I seek a life that is filled with glory for God.
(1. Luke 18:9-14 2. Romans 14:1 3.1 John 4:19-21 4. Ephesians 2:8,9 5. Romans 10:3
6. 2 Timothy 1:7 7. Roman 12:19 8. Matthew 6:7 9. Romans 3:11,12 10. Matthew 16:24, 25)
If you answered “true” to any of the above, you might be self-righteous. I know. It hit me pretty hard too. Chances are, most of us answered yes to several of the above because they sound so much like what we’re supposed to be doing. What we’re supposed to look like. We create versions of Truth that fit our personal plans and desires.
You see, I started this post on righteousness by sharing a story about a man that was deceptive and caused division in a nearby church. The words flew off my fingers and I toyed with what would or would not rattle the wrong cages. “We need to be fired up about injustice,” I thought. “It’s inconceivable that others’ hearts are divided between protecting the church and protecting the vulnerable.”
Well, as soon as you find yourself saying “inconceivable” (thank you, Princess Bride) to yourself…you have to stop and check your heart. I was so focused on this man’s heart divided between sin and ministry that I overlooked my own flaws. My struggles may look different because we’re talking about a grumpy mom that’s spread too thin (hypothetically, of course)…but the headline is the same. “The Wreakage of a Heart Divided.”
P A U S E
The breastplate of righteousness is the second piece of armor listed in Ephesians. Likely made of iron, it was used to cover all of the vital organs, most importantly the heart. Any flaws in the armor gave enemies a target to attack. The modern day breastplate worn by law enforcement officials is kevlar. Fun Fact: Did you know kevlar was discovered in 1964 by a Polish American female chemist? Stephanie Kwolek was hoping to modify tire production in the event of a gasoline shortage. She discovered the solution she tested had incredible strength that exceeded other fibers. Kevlar was introduced to the world in 1971 and is ideal for various grades of industrial use and personal armor because it is so durable and withstands insane temperatures.
Let’s be honest. We are talking about armor here. Paul didn’t say put on the fall wardrobe of Ohio. He didn’t say put on your swimsuit for water. He wasn’t suggesting we dress for the season; he was emphasizing that we need to be prepared for battle. We face challenges that could weaken our faith or cause us to lose hope. How many of us have faced obstacles without the proper coverage and have slouched out the other side as a skeptic?
We are meant to be one body, but much like a heart divided, we can’t pump the life blood of Jesus’ truth to the world around us if we’re split in two.
Go back to the pop quiz and observe the places you answered “true.” Read the verses that correspond with them and try to discover what they are telling you.
P R A Y
Psalm 139:23, 24 says “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Pray these verses honestly and be willing to understand the “flaws” in your armor. Be observant to the response. Often our heart issues are directly linked to our anxiety.
We ask for our heart to be searched not by us, but by God. We do this because our hearts are weak and easily influenced. I love the way the Message breaks down Jeremiah 17:9-10: “The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out. But I, God, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be.”
It is exhausting to hit that hustle button and try to figure out for ourselves what’s next. I love free will and making my own choices, but if there is an outcome that involves less turmoil and more peace…sign me up. Just as a budget allows for freedom to spend in the ways that are most important to us, righteousness allows us to live out the promises that bring us joy and produce goodness. Romans 10:3 says “For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with Himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law.”
P R O C L A I M
Our hearts endure so much in life. That’s all there is to it. Let’s do right by them and make some changes to our top 10 responses!
Faith in Jesus rescues you, not good works
We have peace with God because of Jesus
We have faith and we can approach God because of Jesus
We are treated graciously because of Jesus
We have hope because of how amazing God is
We can be joyful even when we suffer
Our suffering produces endurance (aka ability, courage, fortitude, grit)
Our endurance produces character (aka quality, personality, sense)
Our character produces hope (aka promise, confidence, anticipation, ambition)
We aren't stuck in shame because God loves us deeply through the Holy Spirit
Who did wear it best, then?
🧔🏻Did you hear about Saul?
👩🏻You mean Paul?
🧔🏻No, Saul. Of Tarsus?
👩🏻Yeah, Paul. We’re talking about the same guy.
🧔🏻Ssssssaul. I feel like you don’t hear me.
This is how I imagine name change conversations going, back in the day. Saul had a reputation for talking down the “less thans” and putting people in their place. After an epic encounter with Jesus, he had a change of ❤️. He went on to use his “gift” of “outspokenness” to tell others about the Gospel. He was brave, bold, and a great example of righteousness. I love how someone so unlikely (and perhaps unlikable 😳) was used to make such a huge impact in our walk today! Stay encouraged! Even our trickiest habits, when used properly, could be our hidden strengths! 😉