Articles
Harden Not Your Heart
Why is it that some people can take another’s life and it has no effect on them? Why is it that some people can see someone in need of help but refuse to help them? Why is it that some people who have obeyed the gospel call and become Christians drift away from Christ and in
some cases totally leave the Lord? Why is it that they act this way? The answer is “Their hearts are hardened.”
To have a hardened heart means that one’s heart cannot be moved by the misfortune of another. It means they have no compassion for others. It means one’s heart cannot be moved to do what is right especially in God’s eyes. In Hebrews 3:7-11, we are told the story of the children of Israel wandering in the wilderness. It is used here as an example to teach the early Christians of how God’s people refused to listen to and obey God’s word. In verse 8, they were told “Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion as these old testament followers of God did.”
What causes someone to have a hardened heart?
- They do not listen to God and His word.
- They love the world more than they love God.
- They seek worldly treasures rather than heavenly treasures. Mat 6:19-21
What can one do if they see their heart hardening toward God?
- Repent to God in prayer and ask Him to open your heart with more love. 1 Pet. 5:7
- Start obeying God and following His will. Be full of kindness, mercy and love towards others. Phil 2:12
When you are busy seeking the kingdom first, your heart will not have any time to be hardened. The spiritual exercise of loving others will keep your heart from hardening. Remember, we are all susceptible to having our hearts hardened, so we must always be on the lookout for signs our heart is drifting away from God.
