A Matter of the Heart

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

 

 

Oh be careful little mouth what you say

Oh be careful little mouth what you say

For the Father up above is looking down in love

Oh be careful little mouth what you say

 

You may remember these words from the children’s song encouraging right conduct.  Other verses from this song challenge kids to be careful about what they do, where they go and what they hear.

 

As we grow and mature, we learn to act the right way; especially around others.  We control our temper, use our manners, and act politely.  We watch our language, eat our vegetables and mind our ps and qs.

 

But there is more.  In fact, what we do has its source deep in our lives.

 

Throughout the Bible, we find that God pursuing a relationship with His people.  He established a way for His people to live that would set up an environment in which this relationship could thrive.  In the Old Testament this way to live was established through the Law.  In the New Testament the way is through Jesus.

 

The problem comes when substitute outward actions for living out of a changed heart.  Our actions can be tempered for a season, but it is only when God is working in us through His Holy Spirit that we really become different.

 

God desires to live in and through us.  He desires to fill us with His Spirit to guide and direct our lives.  We need to stop trying to clean up the outside of our lives and let God change the inside.

 

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”  Psalm 51:10