Heart Appraisals

In a previous entry, we took a look at God's appraisal of the seven churches in Revelation, but did you know the church isn't just a local body of believers. The church lives and exist in you, also? If the church lives in you, then the appraisal given the seven churches can also be used to measure the health of your hearts. Let's take a look.

The Loveless Heart
Do we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and body? Do we long to be in His presence, try to please Him, or follow His example to love and serve others? Or, has our love over time waned, and our heart filled up with other things? Do we think of ourselves and our needs more than others? Do we think about what Jesus would do or just forge ahead with our selfish desires?

The Persecuted Heart
A mature Christian once told me that 'persecution in Jesus name is considered a badge of honor.' It shows that you are boldly proclaiming Jesus to the world and obedient to his word. Spiritual warfare increases as your commitment to the Lord increases. If Satan isn't trying to harm you or turn you away from God, it is because he is not threatened by your faith. A weak, complacent faith doesn't scare Satan because you won't be doing anything to hinder his influence in the world, and you won't be doing anything to further God's Kingdom.

The Compromising Heart
Are you trying to have your cake and eat it too? Sometimes, we want to have the benefits of our faith without having to give up all of our worldly desires. We hang onto sinful practices or worldly desires, thinking we only have to turn over so much to God. But, God wants all of our heart, soul, and mind. You cannot leave some back for yourself to do with how you please.

The Corrupt Heart
Are you allowing the Father of Lies into your heart with his false teaching and worldly worship? Do you know what is right and wrong in God's eyes, but choose to do wrong anyway? Has your heart tasted the desire of the world and wants more of it, even if it cost you your salvation? Will the sin you are trying to hide from God crowd out His Truth, leaving your heart dark and corrupt?

The Dead Heart
Are you like the Scribes and Pharisee's of Jesus day? They knew God's word, his law, and from all accounts looked to be righteous. They studied and taught others about God, but they didn't follow their own teaching because their hearts were dead inside. They looked for glory in man's eyes not in God's eyes, and as a result they put their own Savior to death. Is your heart in need of being resuscitated?

The Faithful Heart
The faithful heart is focused on God for all it's needs, in all situations. It relies on God for strength in obeying His word and in proclaiming to others the Good News. It's a heart with a desire to serve God and love others as it lives out the two greatest commandments.

The Lukewarm Heart
This is a heart that doesn't take the time to test everything against God's word and as a result allows false doctrine to permeate into their existence. Do you avoid conflict and allow others to think what they want rather than pointing back to God's Truth? Do you just want to be comfortable, left alone doing as little as possible, and not taking a stand either way? If so, you have a lukewarm heart for God.


Where are you in the heart assessment? If you are like me, there is more than one area that needs to be worked on. Just as we hold our local church body up to God's evaluation, we must also hold our own heart up to His standards. Ask God today to show you where you need to improve your own heart's condition, so that you will be found righteous and acceptable in God's eyes.