Fertile Ground toward LoveThe stories in the Bible, when they are allowed time to simmer in a fertile and humble mind, convey the workings of God in the whole of mankind (as well as the individuals that make up mankind). God desires that our hearts be purified. By heart, of course, I don't mean the physical pump that circulates our blood. Note the following Bible verse:
Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. (MKJV)This piece of wisdom states a truth that also helps define the word 'heart' for us. Apparently the heart is something we think into. And, in so doing, we become what we are thinking. The heart, then, must be a receptacle of our thoughts which cumulate, making our worldview what it is. For an incredible treasure of information, read the many references to heart found in God's Word. The ramifications of Proverbs 23:7 are quite unlimited. Consider what it means when we constantly think about worldly toys we either have or want. Or when we obsess on something someone did to us in the past. In both those examples, we are actually changing our hearts to conform to these things. Is this an appropriate occupation of the Christian mind and heart? Do we want to become bitter, sad and mean because we would rather not forgive someone for their offense? God's wisdom in the Word says:
Rom 12:2-A And do not be conformed to this world… (MKJV)Do we want to become so wrapped up in worldly treasures that we forego the treasures of the spirit, like love, joy, and peace? Do we want to become our thoughts, which encompass the limited worldly pleasures and pains? Or is there something better to conform to? Rom 12:2-B …But be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God. (MKJV)So being transformed, by the renewing of our minds, appears to be a conscious decision we make to conform to something higher and more pure than the world's standard. Looking for more Godly wisdom on the heart, we find in Luke: Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (MKJV)Here is another view of our heart, from a slightly different angle. The things we treasure do display the workings of our cumulative thoughts for all to see. You may be concerned about your outer appearance, but what of your inner appearance? What do you treasure above all else? As you take inventory, you will awaken to what your inner appearance is to others. Are you happy with it?
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. (MKVJ)This one is especially hard for many Christians, as well as those outside the faith who are living lives, fully dependent only on their own initiative, their own strength, and their own perception. The people who fully rely only on themselves, have to assume that all decisions they make are correct—even though they may be driving a steamroller over everyone else involved with them. They are narcissistic, often prideful, unconcerned or unaware that they are making decisions that will tragically cost them and others in ways they may never know. God's Holy Spirit, however, does know all aspects of a situation and He is willing to share His wisdom with you. How? When you become humble enough, you can actually learn how to hear His voice, and make better decisions. I know it sounds like a fairy tale or magic, but truthfully, we, by ourselves, don't know much at all about anything that's going on around us. We can't know the hearts of even our closest family members, let alone our business associates and friends. We presume much, and usually incorrectly, when we rely only on ourselves. And we go about, like a bull in a china shop, smashing people's dreams and self-esteem without even knowing it, all because we insist the only person we can believe in is ourselves. The Bible is rich with stories that, on a deep level, nourish and satisfy us, if we are humble enough to allow God's Word do its work in our hearts. The prideful cannot appreciate the subtle teachings of God's Word, because their carefully built walls prevent the assimilation of the deeper truths, truths that all lead to the one truth found in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. As an example, let's take a look at some of the gems of wisdom, found in the story of the children of the Israelites and their bungled attempt to enter the Promised Land. The children of the Israelites failed journey to the Promised Land, is analogous to our own journey to heaven. If we are in complete rebellion to divine authority, we, too, will suffer much longer than we need to. We, too, will take the long way, circling around and around in the desert, just outside the Promised Land, instead of accepting the truth that will make us free of our inherited and self-inflicted carnal nature. It is worthwhile to consider that the battles which the 2nd generation Israelites had, when Joshua was leader, are very similar to the battles we go through when God is cleansing us from our carnal nature. The "ethnic cleansings" portrayed in the Bible can be symbolically interpreted in the light of God moving in and taking every last root of carnality, or our sin infestation, out of our minds and hearts. The reader of God's Word should consider the "parable" quality of every biblical event, a form of communication from God, to those who "have eyes to see." While all the biblical events have actually occurred (as I believe they did), deeper and more appropriate meanings can emerge when the mind is not limited to literal interpretation only. The Holy Spirit may ask us, "Do you see how this passage fits your life right now?" With prayer, the Holy Spirit guides our reading, making God's Word come alive for us. Reading the Bible should not be intellectually driven, but Holy Spirit driven. The atheist, too, may have limited his sight to considering only the physical containers of this invisible animating spark, ignoring our souls. How sad that he may be concentrating only on the surface and miss the reflection of our Savior found in those who have Jesus' Spirit dwelling in their hearts! This world needs more Christians willing to reflect Jesus, so that He might be seen, even by those whose hearts are hardened against the Gospel. Oh, Lord, help me be that very necessary person, who is willing to reflect Jesus, even as I wander in this dark and confusing world. How can You use me, God? How can I help the lost to not be angrier at me, a Christian, than they need to be? I know that Christianity is an affront to their sensibilities, and they are angry at God, but they do not have to be so angry at me, too. If they attack me, how can I respond lovingly, knowing they are confused at who their enemy is—even thinking it might be me? How can I show them that they have no enemy in Christ—nor any enemy in me? Thank You, God, for being with me and guiding me through this ground-breaking stage, as I pray for the lost! The writers of the Bible were inspired to share their stories and visions in order to convey or reflect the deeper nature of our minds and hearts. With this divine help, we can see the map of our lives, the whole picture (which culminates in the coming of Jesus Christ in the New Testament). We, too, learn that Jesus Christ can be in us, as we can be in Him, through Jesus' selfless and agonizing atonement, which took place on the cross. In addition, we learn that we, too, can (indeed, MUST) die to self. In that selflessness, we will be witnesses for others who may eventually have their eyes opened and see the value of complete submission to Jesus and His holiness. This is the ultimate goal of the Bible. As I have stated, meditators of the Bible have learned that they cannot glean much from its pages, without the help of God's Holy Spirit. At our prayerful desire, He will touch our minds, giving light and wisdom and incredible interpretations, which become wonderfully applicable in our lives. The faithful know this is true, but, as an act of love, those not of the faith must be prayed for and gently ushered into this truth, not scorned for what they can't understand. The Holy Spirit leads us to Jesus, who leads us to our holiness here on earth (and subsequently, to our holiness in heaven). The Word says in Hebrews we shall not see God unless we are holy, so we Christians have to become more interested in praying for and obtaining God's gift of holiness. Bear in mind, however, that holiness means so much more than practicing abstinence from certain things, wearing certain clothes, etc. It means an honest inner purity and genuine love for God and fellow humans.
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