I meant to post this several weeks ago. I wanted to use one of the themes of Valentine’s Day to write about. So many to chose from: love, candy, flowers, cherub angels, giving, cards, restaurant reservations . . . Then of course, I settled on the most important topic – the heart!
What about the heart? Is there a word of encouragement we could hear during these times that seem to be wearing us down? If we do a topical search – it ends up there are so many verses in the Bible speaking about the heart. However, this one stood out:
” . . . so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart.” (2 Corinthians 5: 12)
We can look around and see spectacular ministries . . .
Stages, tours, lights, social media followers, awards, likes and shares, mega churches, best selling authors, autographs, fans, difficult to approach, relate, and talk to . . .
It’s easy to think, “Wow, I’ll never achieve those things. God is really using him or her. That is the unreachable standard. I’ll just keep going along in my own quiet way.”
Wait a minute. According to the 2 Corinthians verse – there’s something better than a spectacular ministry – A sincere heart!
We can look inside for a sincere heart . . .
Earnest, real, candid, genuine, forthright, outspoken, true, trustworthy, serious, profound, deep, honest, and fervent (according to synonym.com).
None of us have achieved “perfect sincerity” – but I’ll bet several of the above listed describe you. Plus, we can keep growing and getting better with the rest. A sincere heart is accomplishable. A spectacular ministry is a select club.
The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)
Blessings,
Dave 🙂
David Rische 