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

Why do we do what we do? What moves us to act or speak or even think in a certain way? Only two people really know the answer to that question… ourselves and God. Right actions do not necessarily mean a right heart. We can manipulate our actions so that others see what we want them to see, but God sees our heart… our true motivations… and that is who we really are.

Proverbs 27:19
As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.

As I wrestle with my own heart I have been asking myself these questions.

Do I…

pray with confidence or wishful thinking?

read the bible with expectation or so I can tell someone what I read?

seek to learn or want to teach?

serve those I lead or expect them to serve me?

live like one who’s been forgiven or like one who is entitled?

exhibit humility or pride?

long to be broken or pretend to be whole?

love others or just want their attention?

say God is in control but act and react as if He isn’t?

give to gain favor with man or out of gratitude to God?

long for true wisdom or just want to have more knowledge?

live in excited anticipation of Jesus’ return or hope he waits a little longer?

seek recognition or God’s glory?

Somewhere in the mystery of God’s providence our effort to have a right heart must be met by His granting us that ability.

Psalm 86:10-12
For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.

If our heart could be opened up and inside we could actually see a physical representation of all that is in it… what would we find at the center? What would occupy the most space? Would we find Jesus there or would we have to move a lot of other stuff or people out of the way to then find him shoved into a small corner? Only we… and God… know the answer to that question.