It has been said, “A great smile is a wonderful asset, but a good heart is pure gold.” (Dolly Parton)
Sometimes people noted for having a good heart are said to have a heart of gold. This is usually in reference to one who is kind and giving in their interaction with others. As gold is a precious metal of great value, so is the preciousness of the heart that is truly good.
For us to drop the “l” from “gold” and an “o” from “good”, what do we have? “God”! A good heart or heart of gold is the heart of God and thus the heart He would have us to possess. In our surrender to His Sovereign Will, it is the heart He desires to cultivate in us. It is a heart humbly open to His direction and a heart that will compel loving interaction with others not merely by word, but also by our actions. (1 John 3:18) Is such a heart being cultivated within us?
In Luke’s account of Jesus’ explanation of the parable of the sower, we read. . .
“(15) As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.” (Luke 8:15 ESV)
Yes, that is the cultivated heart that will enable us to live the fruitful life God has called us to live. As David was noted as a man after God’s own heart (i.e. 1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22), we see how his heart continually drew Him back toward being in the favor of God. May we continually seek God’s favor as we remain wholeheartedly open to His Word so that His good will continue being worked in and through us!
Have a great day MAINTAINING THE PRECIOUSNESS OF A GODLY HEART!
Carl
