Heart disease is both dangerous and deadly. As the number one cause of death in this country, it claims about 1 million lives annually. Symptoms often go unnoticed until it is too late. Each year more than 920,000 Americans experience a heart attack with nearly half of them having no prior warning signs. And an estimated 80 million Americans have one or more types of heart disease. But, most are unaware of this and think they are fine!
Spiritual heart disease is just as insidious and just as deadly. Moreover, this sin-based disease carries with it eternal consequences. And the sobering truth is, it can affect Christians as easily as unbelievers! As the inspired writer of the Letter to the Hebrews warns, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:12-13). As we can see, this condition is very serious and merits constant vigilance and deliberate attention.
When heart disease progresses to the point of one being “hardened through the deceitfulness of sin,” the only cure is the living and active word of God. The Great Physician skillfully applies the truth of His word which is “sharper than any double-edged sword,” penetrating soul and spirit and judging the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Only the alive and powerful word of God, with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel, can peel the callous off a hardened heart and restore it to health and wholeness.
Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), all of us are candidates for spiritual heart surgery. And sometimes, those who need it the most are completely unaware that they do! So, schedule an immediate appointment with the Great Physician and have a thorough spiritual examination. Perhaps some of us like the Psalmist need to say, “LORD, be merciful to me; heal my soul (heart), for I have sinned against You” (Psalm 41:4).
Terry Schmidt
11-06-16
