Sermon Snippet – Cardiac Considerations
INTRODUCTION – The Bible speaks often of the “heart” as a symbol of what Paul calls “the inner man” (Ephesians 3:16), of who we really are, including emotion, intellect, personality, and will. Even our culture recognizes this usage, employing it in songs and poetry and everyday conversation. Because God is so deeply concerned about the heart, we must consider carefully what His Word says on this central subject.
1. WE NEED TO PROTECT OUR HEARTS
Proverbs 4:20-27 focuses on the necessity of guarding our hearts in order to have spiritual growth (verse 23). Verse 24 points out that our speech is one indicator of our spiritual life; Jesus echoes this teaching in Luke 6:45. It is also true that we must be aware of the impact of the words of others upon us; it is important to protect ourselves from ideas such as Marxism and postmodernism as well as from poor or heretical Biblical doctrine. Verses 25-27 direct us to evaluate our actions; Jesus is specific in Mark 7:20-23 as He builds on the teaching of the Old Testament.
2. WE NEED TO PLACE AN EMPHASIS ON DISCERNMENT
Psalm 90, written by Moses, exhorts us to concentrate our efforts on wise living: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (verse 12). We are safe in the saving embrace of Jesus; however, we must always be aware that we are in an intense spiritual conflict, an Armageddon of the heart. The wise Christian will actively contemplate what an activity or relationship or philosophy will do to his heart. It is not merely the moment that is in view, although that is important. Wrong choices become part of who we are. A person who has had a heart attack has to make changes in diet, exercise, and other aspects of life in order to survive; the Christian needs to have an even greater awareness of what his decisions are doing to his heart.
3. WE NEED TO PUT PARTICULAR AREAS OF CONCERN AT THE FOREFRONT
For those of us who are older, it is not likely that we are going to pursue new and terrible ways to sin; the very thought of such a pursuit is simply too exhausting! However, the ongoing threats to our spiritual development will not relent. Fear is always an enemy (II Timothy 1:7), and the powerful elites are increasingly using the tactics of fear to consolidate their control. Discouragement is also a foe (II Corinthians 4:8-10), one that can increase as we age. Bitterness is another antagonist (think of Naomi); I have often said that I do not want to become a bitter old geezer, for I know that it is a real possibility, as Hebrews 12:12-15 warns.
CONCLUSION – In closing, let us remember that the heart is who we really are – who we are eternally. Our eternal hearts are worth protecting.