Over the years, medical professionals have developed a myriad of tests that reveal what’s going on deep inside the human body. Since we can’t actually see the inside from the outside, we’ve developed these tests to reveal the condition of our organs and systems busily at work deep inside.
Thermometers indicate body temperature, warning of infection. Electroencephalography tests (“EEG”) delve into the deep folds of brain tissue. And EKG’s tell us what’s going on in our hearts.
Long before EKG’s, the Bible gave us two tests that diagnose our hearts toward God. Both are diagnostics we can see and hear. Both are outward and obvious. But both are clear indicators of things hidden, things way down deep in the caverns of our hearts and minds. They are words and deeds (Isaiah 3:8).
Words are clear and certain indicators of things housed, kept, and stored up in the heart. The wisest man who ever lived said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.” (Jesus, Matthew 12:33b-34). What do my words reveal of the condition of my heart?
The other “Biblical EEG”: the way we treat people made in the image of God, especially the widow, orphan, alien, and poor. Jesus teaches that, in the end, the way we have treated the poor will reveal what’s deep in our hearts and whether we actually knew Jesus during our earthly lives (see Matthew 25). And John simply asks, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (I John 3:17)
In the new Gospel In Action Digital Magazine , you’ll find images and stories of Cru students and staff who are boldly proclaiming the gospel and extending mercy amidst a broken landscape. Before a watching world, these stories create a powerful witness. More than this, they are reflective of gospel seed growing in the heart and moving disciples to Christ-like action. They portray good neighbors with a great message about an awesome God.
Take some time to soak in the images, read through the stories, and allow the Lord to assess your heart and mind.
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