FIRST IN THE HEART, THEN IN THE MIND
… Then he added, “Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself. (Ezekiel 3:10 NLT)
When we “something” only with our brains, we don’t necessarily believe it or practice it. Superficial knowledge doesn’t necessarily take us to change our conduct.
For example, many people know that God’s commandments tell us not to commit adultery, steal, lie, etc. but, they continue to steal and lie on a regular basis. Why? Because that knowledge is only in the mind, not in the heart.
But, when we learn something and put it in our hearts, then a conviction is formed and in us is born a passion to obey and practice what was learned.
…let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself. (Ezequiel 3:10 NLT)
- Nothing is considered as “learned” until it is practiced. The Bible is not learned until we practice what the Bible says.
- This results in our own good.
Listen to them carefully for yourself. (Ezekiel 3:10 NLT)
- That’s why it benefits us to love God with all of our hearts.
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’. (Mat. 22:37 NLT)
…let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself. (Ezequiel 3:10 NLT)
Think about it:
Do you regularly read your Bible in a way that it deeply penetrates your heart, or do you read it superficially?
Do you think God’s word is in your heart or only in your mind?
What part of God’s commandments do you need to practice?
