In our study of Hebrews Chapter 3 this week, the hardened heart is mentioned three times.
In verses 12-13 is a warning. "Watch out, brothers, so that there won't be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that departs from the living God. But encourage each other daily, while it is still call today, so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception."
There is an illustration concerning how the same sun that melts wax also hardens clay. It just depends on what properties the subject has. When God's word acts as a light and shines in the human soul, the heart either melts into submission or hardens into unbelief and defiance. There is no middle ground. An encounter with God always changes us, it never leaves us the same.
There are two words in this passage that I want to mention that will help us avoid sin's deception and an unbelieving heart: Encourage and Today
The scripture tells us to encourage each other daily, which is hard to do if we don't actually spend any time with other Christians (outside our family). It is important that we share God's story and our stories with one another so that we can show examples at how faithful and trustworthy our God is.
The scripture also warns us about responding to God immediately. "Today, if you hear His voice." The other way we can avoid a hardened heart is to respond to what we know God has said today. Someday, there won't be a tomorrow.
So, how can we avoid hardened hearts? You tell me.
4 comments:
In the end, I am not sure that we can totally prevent the hardening of our hearts, but we certianly can seek Humility and Compassion at every juncture. We can surrender as best as we are able to the gentle influences of the Holy Spirt. We can resist Fear and the need to Control.
Good blog, I will come back once in a while, I got to you via Paul's caught in the middle.
Monk-in-training
Thanks for stopping by.
The first passage of scripture I ever memorized that was longer that 2 verses was Phillipians 2:5-11.
The youth pastor that had us memorize that was wise beyond his years. Ever since then, I keep going back to that.
Not to mention a crying out similar to scripture "Lord, help my unbelief" when for whatever reason, I try to take control
Troy,
This is a GREAT post, and something I have been contemplating myself recently.
My Mom had a wonderful insight on this topic. She said the best insurance against a hard heart is being "'fessed up." She has made it a practice in her own life to deal with sin as soon as the Holy Spirit convicts her. She tries to ensure that when her head touches the pillow at night, she has dealt with anything that might hinder the relationship between her and God.
She also starts and ends every day alone with Him. I am so thankful for such a wise and discerning Mom.
Kiki,
I can't think of a better protection from a hardened heart than the advice and practice of your mom.
I think our parents' faith gives us a great example of our simple and pure it really is.
The world has definitely tried to make it more difficult than it is.
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