Readings for today: Matthew 15-16, Psalms 88
In his book, The Righteous Mind, author Jonathan Haidt argues persuasively that human beings are not rational creatures but instead are driven by emotion and desire. He compares the head/heart relationship to that of a human rider on a large elephant. The brain relates to our heart much like a rider relates to the elephant. Yes, there are times when it seems like the rider is in control. He or she guides the elephant one way or another using reins or perhaps a stick of some kind. But if the elephant decides to go their own way, the rider has little choice but to hang on. The same is true for the brain’s relationship to the heart. Yes, there are plenty of time when it seems like the brain is guiding the decision-making process using rationality and logic. But if the heart decides to go its own way, the brain has very little power to get it to change direction. Perhaps this is why Jesus warns us about the folly of “following our hearts.”
You and I hear it all the time. We are inundated with the same messages day after day. Do what feels good. Do what feels right. Be true to yourself. These platitudes sound so promising until one actually decides to act on them. If one chooses to follow one’s heart, one quickly ends up in a ditch. Why? Our hearts are broken. Our hearts are corrupt. Our hearts are filled with all kinds of evil thoughts and intentions. Evil? Really? Perhaps you think “evil” is too strong of a word. Okay. Try selfish. I think most of us would agree that our natural way of operating is to take care of ourselves first. Make sure our own needs get met first. Fulfill our own desires before we give or serve others. Our culture reinforces this idea. Put yourself first. Take care of yourself. You deserve a break. Make yourself the first priority. Unfortunately, the American church too often uncritically blesses this mindset. I love what a Korean pastor, Jay Kim, recently wrote, “The uniquely American emphasis of the gospel is seeing faith as a means to personal benefit, rather than a sacrificing of personal benefits for eternal rewards.”
Jesus is clear. We are not the center of the universe. Our hearts are not pure. Our hands are not clean. Our desires are oriented inward rather than outward and result in a defilement that affects the whole person. This is why behavior management is no substitute for the gospel. We cannot work from the outside in. We must work from the inside out. Our hearts have to be regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Renewed and restored by the indwelling presence of God Himself. Only then will our lives begin to reflect His true glory. The reality is too many Christians are working far too hard at cleaning the outside of the cup. Making sure they live morally upright lives. They major in the minors. And it ends up crippling our witness. Christ wants our hearts. He will not settle for less. It doesn’t matter if you are a Pharisee, a disciple, or a Syrophoenician woman. It doesn’t matter whether you are sick or well. Free or oppressed. Rich or poor. Christ wants your heart. He wants to transform you from the inside out. He wants your love and devotion far more than your outward obedience to His commands.
Readings for tomorrow: Matthew 17-18, Psalms 89