A Little More Than Half-Hearted
“No one can say I’m half-hearted. I’m 5% more!”
55%. My friend, J.L., has a heart that is functioning at only 55%. He's the same friend who continually reminds us, "God's got this," but we want to make sure God's got him. We love him and this is worrisome. Besides, imagine what he might be able to do with more than 55%.
My friend learned that accurate 55% number through a TEE—Transesophageal Echocardiogram. It's as bad as it sounds—pun intended. As an "echocardiogram," it utilizes a transducer—the end of the black cable above—to send ultrasound waves producing a picture of your heart's composition and function. And the "transesophageal" part? You guessed it. That black cable is down your throat to give doctors the best look at your heart possible. I'll stop there with the cringy details. Know that doctors have scheduled procedures soon to follow in hopes to improve his heart function.
We chuckle with J.L. at being a little more than half-hearted, yet that raises a question for Christ followers.
Jesus gave us a command about our hearts—our spiritual commitment to him.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.”
If there were a spiritual TEE to measure the function of your capacity to love Jesus, how would you score? 55%? Just a little more than half-hearted? Maybe better? Maybe worse?!
Take a moment to reflect. Remember what it was like when you first came to faith in Christ; remember the times you felt closest to God. What was different then? Consider what you did or did not do at those times in which you had a greater love for Jesus. What do you need to change now? Ponder what habits or sins may be hindering your spiritual vitality now. What do you need to confess to God and repent from?
Jesus commands us to love God with all our heart. Imagine what he might do through us if we truly did...
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