The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. (Jeremiah 17:9-10)
The Bible teaches us the the issues of life flow from out of our hearts. For this reason we are to guard our heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23).
But this also gives us a different understanding. Some think our actions are what we must repent of. Somehow they think the hands and heart are separate in their doings. But again, the Scriptures teach us that our hands are influenced by our heart; what is in our heart will flow through our mind for us to dwell in and then to our hands that we may do it. It's for this reason that God has said he will circumcise our hearts; he will cut away that wicked part and transform our hearts into living flesh that we might have good soil for the fruit of God to grow (an idea found throughout the Old Testament, especially in Jeremiah).
Too many times we attempt to treat the symptoms by "trying harder" and "doing better". But any doctor will tell you that treating symptoms merits no health benefit. We must know what the cause of those symptoms are. Fortunately for us we know: 1) Our hearts are the source of wickedness, and 2) God is a heart surgeon!
Can you lay down the works of your hands and trust Jesus Christ for your righteousness? Consider this last thought:
Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. (Jeremiah 17:5)
With Love in Christ,
Jay
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