Change of Heart

Scripture: Romans 2 (Click Link) No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people. (Romans 2:29 NLT) Paul’s Good News Message was for Jews and non-Jews alike (It was for everybody, actually!). Mostly, the Jews thought they didn’t need his Good News Message because they were God’s “chosen people,” keepers of the Law of Moses, and even circumcised as a sign of their religious beliefs. Paul said that unless they experienced a change of heart produced by God’s Holy Spirit, the religious practices and outward observance didn’t make them right with God. I’ve been a Christ-follower for a long time. I go to church (except when prevented by the occasional global pandemic!). I’m involved in ministry inside the church and outside the church. I do my best to keep up with the “should-do’s” and keep away from the “shouldn’t-do’s.” And most people who know me think I’m a person who is right with God (At least I think that’s what most people think!).

But unless my attitude, thoughts, and actions flow and grow out of a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit, it’s dead religion and doesn’t make me right with God. And catch this: Paul said that if I have a changed heart, I’ll seek God’s approval and not live to impress or gain the approval of other people! We looked at that yesterday, remember? So here’s a quick heart-check for me (and for you!):
• Am I living out of a heart that’s trying to do right and be right by my own effort, or am I living out of a heart of love and thanks to God who accepts me just as I am?
• Am I living out of a selfish desire to impress other people, or am I living out of a changed heart that desires to please God alone?

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10 NLT) Prayer: Father, Please create in me a clean and pure heart and renew a right spirit within me. Thanks for today’s reminder that it is all and only about a change of heart produced by your Spirit. I love and appreciate the people you’ve placed in my life as family and friends, but today, may I live to please you and you alone! Amen.