The religious leaders of Jesus' day were experts in the Scriptures, but ironically their "hearts were far from God" (Matthew 15:8). They were the preachers and teachers of the Word, but they did not practice what they taught. They were "world class" hypocrites and Jesus severely condemned them for their hypocrisy (Matthew 15:7-19).
The inspired Proverb advises, "Above all else guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" (Proverbs 4:23). The innermost thoughts, motives and feelings of any human really determine the person's genuineness and character. What we believe in our hearts is what ultimately counts with God. Humans are experts at justifying themselves before men with earthly accomplishments, but God looks at the heart (Luke 16:15). No amount of knowledge and external pretense can replace a sincere faith of the heart. Knowledge must be accompanied by personal commitment and willing obedience from the inner person. That has always been God's standard of excellence.
The human heart focuses on what it treasures (Matthews 6:20) and the human mouth speaks unguardedly from the natural outpouring of the heart (Matthews 12:24). Those who truly love God love him with their hearts (Matthews 22:37).
"Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God" (Matthews 5:8).
Gary Colvin is the interim preacher for the Cañon City Church of Christ, 1718 Franklin Avenue, Office phone: (719) 275-9696. Email questions or comments to canoncitycofc@gmail.com. Visit our website at www.canoncitychurchofchrist.com. Have a Bible Question? Submit it to the editor and Gary will answer it in a future article.