What’s In The Heart?

As we have seen throughout this study, the thing that makes the biggest difference in our pleasing god or not pleasing him is our attitude because it affects everything we do.  One of the most obvious things affected by our attitude is what we say.  In Matthew 12:34-37, Jesus said, “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.  A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” 

Literally, he said that the things we say in unguarded moments show our basic heart attitude.  We will not be judged on the eloquence of our carefully planned prayers or speeches, but on our reactions to surprises and things that do not go as planned.  In those situations we do not have time to organize our words to leave a certain impression, and the truth comes out.   Unfortunately, our words can have serious effects on those who hear us.  James 3:1-2 warns about the dangerous effects of our words.  “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.”  A few thoughtless words can destroy a person’s reputation, his self-esteem, or any interest he might have in being a Christian, and the more authority we have, the greater impact our words have.    A person who has control of their tongue will be able to control all the other aspects of their life. 

James goes on to explain How impossible it is for a person to truly control their tongue, in James 3:3-12.  “Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.  Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!  And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.  For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.  Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.  Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?  Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.”

As Jesus said, those unplanned words show what is really in the heart.  A person might dip out clear pure looking water by being very careful, but the water will still be contaminated, and in the same way, if what comes out of person’s mouth is polluted, it implies even the good things are polluted as well.   If a person really knows the Lord it should affect his entire life, including what he says, as James 3:13 tells us.  “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”

James 3:14-16 points out that an improper attitude does not come from god, but from the world and Satan.  “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.  This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” A carnal or satanic spirit or attitude can only lead to confusion or sin.  Selfishness and conflict indicate a carnal spirit or attitude.

A Godly spirit or attitude is completely different, as James 3:17-18 tells us.  “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”  A godly spirit is pure, with no need to be careful when one speaks.  It isn’t looking to stir up a fight, but is willing to overlook things and focus on what is good.  It doesn’t have to constantly hide its anger or frustration.  As a result it can freely do good things without having to force itself or pretend to like what it is doing.