A hardened heart starts off like a callus which is specifically defined as a “thickening of the outer layer of skin”. The word callous in turn means “unfeeling; emotionally hardened”. THAT is what a hardened heart does to us. It can happen to ANYONE.
A spiritual hardening starts with a sense of self-sufficiency, a belief in oneself over all else (including God) and a feeling of self-satisfaction. A hardened heart becomes very dangerous to our walk with the Lord once we start to resist God’s will. Repeated resistance creates in us a failure to yield to God’s will entirely. That is a treacherous place to be. Continued avoidance of God’s will can easily lead to apostasy or falling away from the Lord altogether.
Check out these warning signs:
1. Disobedience - Exodus 4:21 is an example God hardened Pharaoh’s heart due to his willful disobedience. Knowing what is right and doing what is wrong anyway can produce a hard heart if you made a practice of it.
2. Wealth / Prosperity - Taking God’s blessings for granted can tend to cause us feelings as if those blessings were owed to us. We are blessed because of God’s grace and eternal, unconditional love for us ... no other reason. (Deuteronomy 8:6-14)
3. Rebellion / Discontent - Suffering and/or discomfort to you or a loved one can create an attitude that blames God. (Psalm 95:8)
4. Rejection of a Rebuke - A rebuke from God is designed to set us straight once again on God’s path of righteousness. If you feel undeserving of a rebuke you can become bitter which would be a byproduct of a hardened heart. (Proverbs 29:1)
5. Refusing to Listen - Our refusing to listen to the Holy Spirit can lead to a loss of spiritual hearing. While not exclusive, God uses the Spirit to speak to us many times. We must utilize the gift of discernment to grasp what is being said to us. Not even attempting to listen to God will cause you problems at some time. It can also be turning a deaf ear to a brother or sister who has a message from God for you. Perhaps a prophecy regarding your future. (Zechariah 7:11-13)
6. Failing to Respond - Listening to God with no intention of obeying produces an inability to obey. It’s like the person who never misses a church service, yet steps outside for a smoke whenever the sermon starts and doesn’t return till the sermon is over. (Matthew 13:11-15)
We must keep in the forefront of our minds the hefty price that was paid for our freedom from sin. Do you realize what an unbelievable gift salvation is? Do you understand that there is no other way to receive forgiveness for every sin you’ve ever committed? Do you realize that without surrendering your life and soul over to Almighty God you are nothing more than a dead man or woman walking? That may sound crass, but I’m phrasing all this in a particular way to shake some of you awake from your malaise. This is one of those “if the shoe fits wear it” moments. You know if these questions apply to you. Never take your redemption for granted.
In His Name & for His Glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resource: The Life Application Study Bible
No comments:
Post a Comment