A Far Heart

10-31-07

We as humans are known to be the masters of impressions. We are able to say the right words, give the proper signs and mimic behaviors to portray the image or idea we want others to see. Even when the image is not real we can add actions and attitudes that reinforce our phony-ness. Masters of manipulation, skilled in the art of trickery, we make up our own little worlds then try to force others to live in it. We put together our own ideals and insist that others line up to them.

Such is the case Jesus referred to in Matthew 15:8 & 9. The religious persons were saying the things that gave praises; they even had the language that gave honor but their heart was far from God. These religious persons were seeing and hearing what Jesus was doing but their desires and concerns were not supportive. They were in the right pace physically but their heart was not supporting what was going on. In essence they were giving honor and praises but their heart was so far they could not relate to what they were giving.

Like these religious people, we to can have a ‘Far Heart’. How do you know when the heart is far? When the heart is far there is a tendency to look and respond to God differently. God is no longer the affection of the desire. We may find ourselves sitting in church but reluctant to get involved. We may read our Bibles but have trouble accepting Its commands. We may pray to God but struggle to trust and obey what He says. We lift our hands in love but on the inside we resist and hold back. We know the way to God but instead of going to Him we go through the motions. We look to God for the wrong reasons, desiring that He would meet our needs, relieve our burdens or calm our troubles.

The ‘Far Heart’ has a broken link in the connection. With a broken link no access to God can be established in a way that reflects a meaningful relationship. Communication may take place but not to the point where it affects. Mutual interest is lost and the differences in concern lead to differences in identity where persons can be involved but refuse to accept or acknowledge the connection or relationship. The heart is far.