23/08/2025
A HEART FOR GOD
In the scripture, God labelled certain people in special ways, so that they became our examples today. He called Abraham his friend. He called Job his faithful servant. Enoch was labeled as walking with God. And David was the man after God's own heart. There were other people that God talked about in unique ways, but let us stop the litany here.
However, what made God label those people in such manner? What was special in those individuals. Scripture says every man fell short of God's glory, including those individuals. So what's it? Were they perfect? No. They inherited the nature of sin, like the rest of us.
Now, the difference was their choice; the choice to yield to God in devotion. God knows man is naturally imperfect. However, he equally knows it's possible to ditch that nature and be renewed in the heart by his Holy Spirit (Rom.12:1-2). This part is a choice. A sinful nature is given by birth; a righteous nature is given if you desire it. Here, personal choice comes in.
Right, it's one thing to have the righteous nature; it's another to choose to yield one's heart to God.
God is very interested in the heart of man; a submissive heart. A devoted heart pleases God in doing his will. A devoted heart produces the right thought and character. Christianity is expressed in character (James 1:20-23). A Christian with bad character is not broken. He is an embarrassment to God and his kingdom. He or she is not devoted. But Christianity is devotion to Christ. So if a Christian is not devoted or broken (as should be seen in the demonstration of godly character) that's double standard. It's so odd to be a Christian in name and preaching, and be the contrary in character.
Character is a basic identity in Christianity. In Acts of apostles, Jesus' deciples were called christians because of their godly character. On the cross, the centurion admitted that Jesus was CERTAINLY the son of God, considering his character. Following an encounter with their chara
