Heartless Love?

What if someone were to say to you, "I love you, but my heart is not in it."? Would we not admit such would be a strange statement? How can love be there if THE HEART is not in it? Would it merely be empty words? Though this specific statement is not spoken, is it possible for the actuality to be reflected in the life?

As Jeremiah shared the warnings of God with the nation of Israel, he asked God a couple questions and made the observation. . .

"(1) Righteous are you, O LORD, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? (2) You plant them, and they take root; they grow and produce fruit; YOU ARE NEAR IN THEIR MOUTH AND FAR FROM THEIR HEART." ( Jeremiah 12:1-2 ESV)

Jeremiah went on to acknowledge God knew him and his HEART. However, what a sad picture of God's people; speaking as if they were right with God, but their HEARTS being far from Him. They were a people giving God LIP SERVICE, but their HEART was not in it!

Jesus found the same condition as He walked and taught among men. Though He was the long awaited Messiah, in view of those who continued to reject Him He stated. . .

"(7) You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: (8) 'This people HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME; (9) in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'" ( Matthew 15:7-9 ESV) [quoting Isaiah 29:13]

Aren't we glad that is not the picture today? How sad that we must admit the same condition is still around. But what is the picture of our own life? Have we been guilty of offering God lip service -- saying the words Christians ought to say and maybe even doing things Christians are expected to do -- while actually not having given Him OUR HEART? The genuine love demonstrated through the actions of our life begin with a RIGHT HEART RELATIONSHIP with God.

Though even under the old law there were outward signs of obedience, God has always desired the HEART TO BE IN IT! (i.e. Jeremiah 9:25-26) The same is true today. As Jeremiah acknowledged God knew his HEART, that is where God continues to look. (i.e. 1 Samuel 16:7; Acts 1:24) What is He seeing in us? May our life truly be built up from a love for God that takes in our HEART, soul, mind, and strength. ( Mark 12:30) This will enable us to offer Him not merely lip service, but LIFE SERVICE!

Have a great day MAINTAINING A HEART CONNECTION WITH GOD!
Carl

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