"Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23
Pictured above are some almost-eager science students. In the hands of Claire-Elise is the heart of a pig. In Sarah's study of the circulatory system, I thought it helpful to dissect an actual heart. So we did. As I told the girls the different parts of the heart and how they work, I was once again reminded of our wonderful creator. The intricacies and complexity of the human body (or any living organism) is amazing-we serve and incredible, all-knowing God.
As we cut that preserved heart, I thought of the spiritual lessons that can be learned from that science experiment. Just as the girls and I cut pieces of the heart away, we as sinful humans give our hearts to worldly affections and lusts. In the end, we are not left with a beautiful, pure heart that works well for the purpose for which it was made. We are left with a broken, torn-up heart that lacks the ability to function well, if at all. Just as a physical heart that has been dissected by us girls will never pump blood to a body again, a spiritual heart that has been given to sin does not, and cannot, serve the Lord fully, but rather worships that sin.
One of the most impactful books I have ever read is "Keeping the Heart," by puritan pastor John Flavel. In reading it, I was challenged and encouraged to keep my heart from sin, and protect it from anything that would hinder my relationship with Christ. Yes, this heart keeping is laborious and not always "fun" like some employments of the world. However, "is not eternal life worth the suffering of a moments pain?"
"If it is a desiriable thing in your eyes to have a fair testimony of your integrity, and to know of the truth that you fear God, then study your heart, watch your heart, and keep your heart."
2 comments:
Hey Rachel,
I thought of you this morning when I read this quote. Hopefully it will be an encouragement to you as you continue to witness for Jesus.
Charles Spurgeon said: “If they [lost sinners] will not hear you speak, they cannot prevent your praying. Do they jest at your exhortations? They cannot disturb you at your prayers. Are they far away so that you cannot reach them? Your prayers can reach them. Have they declared that they will never listen to you again, nor see your face? Never mind, God has a voice which they must hear. Speak to Him, and He will make them feel. Though they now treat you despitefully, rendering evil for your good, follow them with your prayers. Never let them perish for lack of your supplications” (Metropolitan Pulpit, vol. 18, pp. 263–264).
I'm not saying anyone is treating you spitefully but the general gist of it applies. Keep praying!
I hope this doesn't embarrass you, but I am so proud of you. You are a great writer and a very godly young lady!
Visit us SOON!
Love,
Mrs. Dawn
Great insight! We are at least a few years away from any real dissecting (whew!) but I'll have to keep this in mind when we do!
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