A Deceitful Heart: Best to Beware of Our Own Hearts

We can convince ourselves of most anything we want to. Man is so often deceived by the evaluation of their own hearts - doing what is right in our own eyes. It has been that way since the fall. And God tests our hearts to show us what is in them – things He already knows – so that we can see clearly the corruption or the grace that dwells beneath the surface. This is most often done through trials and tribulations which dig deep into the innermost parts of our souls. It is heart work and heart work is hard work as both grace and corruption dwell within them. God is always in the process of making us more and more like Jesus and He is infinitely patient with us. We are the losers if we kick against His process as it is for our very best. It probably does not feel too good to the earth when we dig in it to plant our bulbs. But out of this pain comes beautiful flowers for many to enjoy. God never intended for us to remain the same and He teaches us by degrees. Also, we never get there until we are home with Him.

Further, testing helps us see that all too often we are living in our own strength – which is really no strength at all for it is God Who keeps us from falling by His amazing grace. Trials are used to show how very little (if any) we are in control – and God upholds His saints with His righteous right Hand. His grace is always sufficient to meet our every need. And His power is made perfect in our weakness and also made manifest in our lives for us to see as well as for others. Unless tried we so often do not know the glory which comes from being preserved. We do take so much for granted, Amen?

King David writes in Psalms 14:1-3 (NIV): “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.” 

Paul echoes the same sentiment in Romans 3:9-12 (NIV): “What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.’” 

Scripture teaches and emphasizes the universality of sin dwelling within mankind and the deceitfulness of the human heart. Only God is Holy, pure, set apart and totally without sin. He possesses attributes of absolute love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. All mankind falls short of God’s glory and forgiveness can only be achieved through Christ’s work on the cross done on our behalf. Further, fullness of joy is only to be found in His Presence – it is not found elsewhere.  

Our Lord Jesus tells us to watch and pray – be on our guard, take heed – consider the ways the enemy might entangle us – his methods and baits – and flee temptation as you would a poisonous snake. We are no match in and of ourselves for the wiles of the evil one yet through the power of the Holy Spirit in every child of the King, we can stand firm against it and pray. Watch and pray are our spiritual duties. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV): Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.