The Scriptures repeatedly warn us of the possibility of backsliding in heart even though we may continue to give the Lord apparent service and worship. This was the meaning of Jesus when He said: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” (Matt. 15:8-9) It is a tragic thing to see one who is a backslider in heart. The love and warmth of God is departed from the heart, even though the person may continue to perform perfunctory Christian duties. Ezekiel says: “So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they DO NOT DO THEM; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts PURSUE THEIR OWN GAIN.” (Ezekiel 33:31) Amy having a backslidden heart is very disturbing, that’s why prayer has been offered up for 615 days and will continue to be offered. It is not enough that we just pray, hopefully someone can speak to Amy and convey the Love of God to her. Our hearts should actually motivate our Christian living. Because as we know, Religious activity without a spiritual heart is like a sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.
Men may watch our deeds, but God watches our hearts. Men may listen to the words of our lips, but God hears the words of our hearts. To be the true servants of Christ we must be upright in our deeds and truthful in our hearts. “LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And SPEAKS THE TRUTH IN HIS HEART…” (Psa. 15:1-2)
-Bill Stockham