Conviction 101: examining the condition of our hearts
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. ~ Proverbs 4:23
Have you ever spoken with someone and then were later haunted by your own words? Not just once, but on instant replay? That happened to me recently after I stopped to visit with a couple in our neighborhood during my evening walk. I shared with them a few negative experiences my husband and I have faced since our move to the smalltown community 17 months earlier. Later on that evening, I reviewed the conversation in my mind and heard the bitter ugliness lacing my words. Then the internal voice of conviction asked: Is this the kind of impression I want to leave with people? What happened to my passion to encourage and uplift? And I was reminded how our words truly reflect the condition of our hearts. As for mine, I realized it still needs softening to remove a trace of bitterness.
When was the last time you examined your heart?
I examined my heart on Friday this past week as my truck broke down 65 miles from home, with my evening dialysis session due to be starting in 20 mins. Ah, what to do? Fortunately my brother was able to come to take me. But there the truck sits, towed to an old guy’s shop, who is closed on weekends. Negativity leave my side!
Yikes, I am so grateful your brother was able to come to your rescue, Jimmy!