A popular credit card ad asks the question: “What’s in your wallet?” presumably to get you to think about the financial advantages of having that card. In light of today’s Scripture that uses the word “heart” several times, I would like you to ask yourself: “What’s in your heart?” Is your heart inclined and determined to glorify God in all you do? Or are there selfish motives hidden therein?
Solomon tells us (v. 17) that David his father determined
in his heart
to build a temple for God. And verse 18 reveals that even though he was not allowed to build it, God tells David that
he did well to have it in his heart
. God knew whether David’s desire was to truly honor and glorify him, or whether his heart was filled with selfish motives. By considering carefully what’s in our hearts we can discern our true motives.
God knows the hearts of all men
(v. 39) and thus knows whether what we do for him is for selfish reasons to be seen of men, or whether our motives spring from a heart fully devoted to his glory.
Solomon in all his wisdom recognized that Israel would turn their hearts away from God in days to come and as he proceeds to pray for them, he asks God to take note when they repent and have a change of heart and to forgive them (vs. 47–50). Praise the Lord we know he will, for we have the assurance in (1 John 1:9) that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” And when we do that we too will be “
joyful and glad in heart for all the good things the LORD has done
” (v. 66).
“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).
Rev. Bill Monroe, Vernon, Vt.
Extended Scripture: 1 Kings 8 (NIV)
