Heart Health

While watching a NCAA March Madness tournament game the commentator excitedly declared “That player is amazing! He has heart!” What did he mean? Obviously, the outstanding player has a physical heart. But the heart the broadcaster was speaking of was his positive mental attitude, laser beam focus, intense drive and singular desire to win the game.
The player had a heart for winning a national collegiate basketball championship.
The Bible has a lot to say about heart. There are over seven hundred references to “heart” in the Old and New Testaments. Here is just a sampling of a few.

• Jesus said “Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.” Matthew 22:37
• God told Samuel before anointing David King “God looks on a man’s heart, not his outward appearance.” I Samuel 16:7. David is remembered as a man after God’s own heart.
• Solomon wrote to his son “Guard your heart, for life flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23
• Jesus said “The mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.” Matthew 12:33-37
• David wrote “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4.
• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5-6
• “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus io Lord,, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved, for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness….” Romans 10:9-10

“Heart” in the God’s Word, the Bible, is the seat of life. The center of our being. Our innermost character, feelings and inclinations. God wants us to take good care of our “heart.”
Physical heart health is, and rightly so, an important issue in our society. You and I are exhorted and encouraged to eat a heart healthy diet (Sorry folks, no Broccoli, Brussel sprouts or Asparagus for Steve!). Exercise regularly. Watch your weight. Do not smoke. Moderate alcohol. See your physician for heart check-ups regularly.
Heart healthy applies to our spiritual life as well as our physical life.
Spiritual heart health is even more important than physical heart health. When my physical heart stops beating, that’s it. I am dead. All she wrote. But my spiritual heart, beating for or against God, determines whether you and I spend eternity in heaven or hell. That is pretty serious!
I don’t know about you, but I am so thankful that God, my Creator and Redeemer, looks on my heart. My head (thoughts), my emotions (feelings), my mouth (words) and my behavior (conduct) can land me in trouble in a hurry. Ask my wife of nearly forty-nine years!
What a relief that the Lord looks past my thoughts, emotions, mouth and behavior to my heart. Make no mistake about it our thoughts, emotions, words and behavior matter, but the heart of the matter is our heart!
I believe when our heart is right thoughts, emotions, words and behavior will fall in line to glorify God and minister to people. We discover what the heart God honors is found in His Word.    
It is so good to know and be grateful for  when you and I mess up, God looks on the thoughts and intent of our heart. The condition of our heart is what matters to the Lord.
Heart Examination
In life our “heart” is what counts most.

• When God looks on your heart, what does He see?
• Does your heart belong to Jesus Christ?
• Do you wholeheartedly serve your Lord and Savior?
• Does your heart desire what God desires for you?
• What areas of your life do you need to work on regarding your spiritual heart?
• Do you keep your heart healthy through worship, prayer, study of the Bible, fellowship with believers, serving others, biblical stewardship  and witnessing to unbelievers?
• What would people who know you best say about your heart? Good? Room for improvement?
• Is your heart becoming more like the heart of God?

Our heavenly Father has a heart for you and me. He desires us, as His blood-bought sons and daughters, to have a heart for Him.
So how is your heart today? Healthy or unhealthy? Is your spiritual heart beating wholeheartedly for God and His good, acceptable and perfect will for your life? (Romans 12:1-2).
Maybe it is time for a heart check up!
“Who shall ascent to the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has cleans hands and a pure heart…” Psalm 24:3-4 
A Word For Your Week: Keep your heart spiritually healthy.