Been pondering this much today--not in reference to anyone
or anything in particular but a comment sparked many questions for me. We often
hear "only God knows the heart." Mostly, it's when someone's faith in
true Christianity is in question or their behaviors/words show contradiction to
their profession of being a Christian. We say it when we can't--by what's been
evidenced--decide on whether or not they really follow Jesus. Or someone says
it of themselves to feel better about their lack of being true to His word.
Today though, I can't escape the question: Is that statement
true? Or is it just something put out there to make someone feel better without
really having to examine what's heard or seen? It reminds me of when I was a
kid and had a pack of cigarettes in my jacket pocket and the parent that was
holding my coat, cupped the shape of it in the fabric and asked what it was. I
answered "a deck of cards," but they never reached into the pocket to
see if I was telling the truth.
Aren't we supposed to dig a little deeper than surface
level? Not to judge anyone to condemnation nor play God nor be demeaning in any
way, but to know them that labour among us? To know the true from the false? To
not allow seeds of lies or deceit to be planted into our own hearts. If it was
as simple as everyone who professed to believe in God was truly walking with
Christ, then I'm missing something. Which could be possible. But that would
also make the Word of God wrong. Which...is impossible.
From what I read, we are to try the spirits to see if they
be of God (1 John 4:1). When confused or feeling "off," don't just
dismiss it. What influence is behind a person's words and actions? We might not
know the secrets of the person's heart--which God certainly does--but if we are
born of the Spirit then we definitely can discern what IS NOT of God.
And doesn't Jesus want us to know? If He didn't, why would
He tell us about knowing a tree by its fruit (Matt 7:15-17)? Especially in
relation to wolves in sheep's clothing. Obviously, an imposter. Looks and/or acts the part but is not
genuine. Or what about this? He HAS given us an ability to see what is in someone's heart. Not just by the
unction/anointing of His Spirit that will teach us who is false/a seducer/a
deceiver (1 John 2:26-27) but by the person's VERY OWN WORDS. For out of the
abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matt 12:34). He does say by thy own
words you will be justified or condemned (Matt 12:37). Does it line up with their Christian label or
title or Sunday morning profession? Just sayin...
If the heart belongs to Jesus, I believe it will be known.
Light manifests, darkness hides. Who lights a candle and puts it under a
bushel, right? It's not like we have to hide our faith in this country for sake
of our lives (not yet anyway and even then to what degree will it be hid?). My
experience has shown that those who are born again, are born again. There isn't
a lot of confusion surrounding their faith, their loyalty to Jesus and the
scriptures. It's usually recognized after having a conversation or two and
obviously evidenced in their lifestyles.
So, why do we so often result to "only God knows the
heart" like it's wrong to question something that is confusing or just
doesn't quite line up? Out of fear of being judgmental? I'm sure SOME will judge others with an evil heart of
pride and religiosity, but I don't think that should stop the rest of us who
are of a pure heart from testing that which is around us and claims to be of
Christ. That's embracing knowledge, isn't it? The Lord said His people were destroyed for
lack of knowledge. Perhaps today many are destroyed for lack of knowledge of
what is truly of Christ and what isn't. They dismiss someone's actions
or ill-will (or altering of the Word to fit their agenda) because of their
"Christian" label. They would rather continue to accept/follow that
which is not true or real cuz "only God knows the heart" than make a
judgment call (see par 3 please before telling me thou shalt not judge...lol).
They would rather believe the lie than simply look into the pocket to reveal
the truth.
So, all this...judging the truth from the lies, bearing it
out against the whole Word of God, trying the spirits, hearing what IS the
abundance of someone's heart, and knowing them by their fruit...isn't wrong.
It's simply knowledge. And the thing about knowledge... It's how you use (or
abuse) it that makes it to you either wisdom or corruption.
And I will finish this off with a plea for mercy. Just
because someone is in error, outright lying, deceived or doing the deceiving,
doesn't make them too far out of reach for the salvation of God which is in
Christ Jesus and available to ALL who will come to Him. If you judge/discern
someone's actions as being contrary to the word - don't bash 'em, don't
black-ball 'em, pray for them. You never know, it could be your intercession
that draws them to the Lord to be set free by the Spirit of Truth. ♥
