I can walk to my neighbor’s house next door, or I can travel to the other side of the world. It’s called a journey, getting from point A to point B. Sometimes it takes only a minute, and at other times it takes much longer. The important thing is that I reach my destination.
There is another journey that is only about fourteen inches in length, and for some people it takes many years to reach the target. Others never reach it.
In a child, the trip can happen almost instantly. However, for an adult, that longest short journey can be cluttered with obstructions, potholes, and barricades. It can look like an obstacle course in there.
I’m talking about the Good News of Jesus Christ! It enters the mind first by way of the eyes or ears or both, but unless The Word can find its home down in the heart, it will do us very little good. There are countless thousands of people in hell today who while on earth read their Bible, listened to sermons, and memorized verses, but unless that knowledge made the trek down to the heart and found an open door with a welcome mat in front, it did no good. God looks into the heart, not the mind, to find His Son.
“For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed” (Hebrews 4:2).
“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved” (Romans 10:10).
Yes, God sees my heart, but people see my actions. Both should reflect a true and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
“You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone” (James 2:24).
“Dear Jesus, I have heard about you, but I want to truly know you. I open my heart’s door to you today. Come live in my heart. I ask you to forgive me of all my sins. I believe in you. I give my life to you. I will follow you all the days of my life. Thank you, Jesus.”
Jesus is the Christ of Christmas! Celebrate Him! Enter the New Year with a clean heart and the resolution to serve Him, our Savior and Lord. Merry Christmas and have a Blessed New Year walking with Jesus!