A Vital Organ

When all the vital organs of the body work properly our activity is not restricted and life can be lived to the fullest. However, when the heart and lungs begin to function improperly we can either become sick, very limited in activity, or even die. Therefore it is important to observe good health practices for life longevity.

This is also true with regard to our spiritual well-being. If the HEART is not kept in proper condition we can become sick, our activity to the glory of God will begin to diminish, and ultimately we can be found dead in our sins. ( Ephesians 2:1-5) Just like the serious consequences we would face if our physical HEART gave out, even more so is the seriousness if we LOSE HEART spiritually. It is possible, with some of the things we face in life, to be easily tempted to LOSE HEART and give up! Therefore we must guard our lives closely so that we do not LOSE HEART function that can spiritually sustain us.

After referring to Jesus having endured the cross for us, the Hebrew writer exhorted…
“(3) Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may NOT GROW WEARY OR FAINTHEARTED. (4) In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” ( Hebrews 12:3-4 ESV)

Have we experienced the pangs of a FAINT HEART? Remember not just what our Lord endured on our behalf, but how others have stood strong in the face of opposition. As they stand as heroes of faith to us, let us strive to remain strong as a hero of faith for others.

Though there are physical ways in which our strength may diminish as we grow older, that does not have to be the picture of our life in a spiritual sense. Note the encouragement of Paul’s view of life.

“(16) So we DO NOT LOSE HEART. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our INNER NATURE IS BEING RENEWED DAY BY DAY. (17) For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, (18) as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” ( 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV)

The spiritual renewal of our life is ongoing. It is a day by day thing that God provides while we continue to embrace the truth of His Word and walk on in the full assurance of faith. When Jesus told the parable of the persistent widow, Luke noted the purpose of that parable was to encourage us “ALWAYS TO PRAY AND NOT LOSE HEART.” ( Luke 18:1 ESV) May the power of God’s promises and the abiding truth of His Will continue coursing our veins to bring vitality to sustain our spiritual walk.

Have a great day MARKED BY UN-AGING SPIRITUAL AGILITY!
Carl

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