The Heart of the Matter | Monday
“The way we respond to the word of God exposes the true condition of our heart before God.”
Key Verse
But the seed in the good ground—these are the ones who, having heard the word with an honest and good heart, hold on to it and by enduring, produce fruit. (Luke 8:15)
Reflection
It’s possible to appear healthy on the outside while a critical issue goes undetected on the inside. We can experience a spiritual “indigestion,” a sense that something isn’t quite right, and try to fix it with surface-level remedies. We might read a quick verse, say a short prayer, or attend a service, hoping these spiritual antacids will soothe the discomfort. But Jesus is always concerned with what lies beneath the surface. He doesn’t just look at our outward actions; He sees the condition of our hearts. The Parable of the Soils is His gracious invitation for us to look deeper, too. It’s a diagnostic tool to help us understand the true state of our spiritual health. How we hear, receive, and respond to the Word of God is the ultimate EKG for our souls. It reveals whether our hearts are hard, shallow, distracted, or truly receptive to Him. Today, let’s have the courage to ask God to get to the heart of the matter in our own lives.
Question
If the way you responded to God’s Word this past week was the only indicator, what would it say about the condition of your heart?
Prayer Starter
Lord, please give me the courage to look beyond the surface of my life. Expose the true condition of my heart so that I can be honest before you and receive your healing.
Family Element
Play a game of “Spiritual Doctor.” Let your kids use a toy stethoscope to “listen” to everyone’s heart. As they do, ask what makes a heart healthy and happy for Jesus. Talk about how things like listening to God’s Word, praying, and being kind are like “vitamins” for our spiritual hearts.