I’m finding that there are a number of people who call themselves Christians – followers of our Lord and God, Jesus. Who have a good intellectual knowledge of Christianity, and some understanding of what’s written in Scripture but who have not yet allowed Jesus to take completely over their hearts.  Their head knowledge of God is evident; but the lack of love in their lives and the evil they hide in their hearts also shows in their lives.

The key verse for today’s study, Matthew 15:19: “For out of the heart come; evil thoughts, murder (anger), adultery, sexual immorality (lust), theft, false testimony and slander (gossip).” Just thinking evil, sexual thoughts results in the same consequences for the person as the actually undertaking of the associated actions. It also demonstrates the lack of a strong, loving relationship with Christ. 

Selwyn writes: “To read the third chapter of Genesis is like looking in a mirror. We see that what went on in the hearts of Adam and Eve is going on in our own hearts. Do you recognise the tendency of your own heart to avoid the questions God asks with a view to helping you mature; the tendency to run and hide when you have ignored or broken one of His laws, the desire to blame other people when you have done wrong? … When we turn away from God, we turn away from all that is meant for our good.”

I think that we all try to minimise our personal ‘blame‘ in regard to our sinful thoughts and actions; and, to maximise the ‘made me do it’ aspect; in regard to the  involvment of Satan, other people and circumstances.

There is a day coming, and it will soon be upon us – when we will stand before Jesus, and only be able to speak the truth about our lives. Don’t allow it to be the only time that you ever do it!

The prayer for today is worth repeating: “Father, I hear echoes of what went on in Eden in my own heart. I’ve laid things on others and blamed them for my difficulties. I am to blame for what I am. But, no useless regrets. I about-face. I repent. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”