Sunday, September 25, 2011

Creator or Creation--Which Rules Your Heart?

This was our discussion this morning in our "Circle of Friends" Bible study. It really made me think and I thought I'd share some of the things that stood out to me here.
An idol of the heart is anything that rules us other than God.
So, what do you think rules your heart? Some of the things mentioned in our class was family, appearance, addictions and hobbies. I for one must be careful not to let blogging become an idol. I am either posting, reading other blogs and commenting or thinking about what to post next all day long it seems. In other words, it is constantly on my mind. Yet, I like to believe that it is under God's control, that I seek his guidance, inspiration and direction daily. I like to use it to bring glory to God and to share things I've learned, including some spiritual things but not only limited to that.

Based on Ezekiel 14:1-5, there is a core principle of inseparable influence:
Whatever rules the heart will exercise inseparable influence over a person's life and behavior.
This is why people have such a difficult time changing their behavior for long-term, because our hearts need to change for our behavior to change. If God is ruling my heart, that I will show his love to others in my action and speech. If I take back control, then what I do is self-serving. It's definitely something to think about.
Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator. who is blessed for ever. Amen. Romans 1:25
The above verse, Romans 1:25, is referred to The great exchange in our study and was described as follows:
The great exchange (creator for creation) is when what really rules our hearts in daily living is not love for God, but a craving for some other thing. The way God changes us is to recapture our hearts to serve Him alone.
This takes constant surrender to God every day. Oh that I would pour out my heart and be honest with Him so that he will rule my heart all the days of my life!  
 
If you are not involved in a Bible Study group, I encourage you to seek one out.  My greatest growth spurts spiritually always happened when I was involved in a small group Bible Study.  I sincerely hope the Creator rules your heart.  

Related Post:  Making An Idol Out of Sports

(Quotes other than scripture are all from Instrument In The Redeemers Hands by Paul David Tripp.)

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1 comments:

The Silver Age Sara said...

Karen, I've read this post several times now and it is truly wonderful. I'm going to share it on my FB page. So much to think about. I like you have my own problems with blogging and setting limits and that's why I've been trying to let it go somewhat but then again the computer is a huge lure as well. This is such an important post. Thank you.

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