Examining the Spiritual Condition of Our Hearts
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it”. (Prov. 4:23)
What is the condition of your heart? It is a profound question, yet one that most people rarely consider deeply. We stand on the threshold of rapid change in this new era. This change occurs both on earth and within the spiritual realm. The condition of the human heart has become a matter of utmost importance.
The days of “church as usual” are over—a season of transformation beckons us. God is calling His church to turn away from superficial practices. The church must embrace the essence of its calling. It is not merely to “do” church but to “be” the church. This fundamental shift requires a renewal of the heart and mind. It should reflect the Creator’s image. Colossians 3:9-10 says: “Take off the old self with its old practices and be renewed in knowledge in the image of the creator.”
A Time for Renewal and Repentance
Righteous ones, now is the time to seek the Lord like never before. Change is not only necessary—it is essential for all of God’s people. This season calls us to abandon the chains of the past. We must relinquish the grip of religion. We should forsake sin and anything that distances us from God’s presence and obedience. Letting go is not a simple act. It is a spiritual surrender. This surrender allows transformation to take root from the inside out.
When Jesus said to Peter, “On this rock I will build my church,” He was not referring to stone walls. He was not talking about physical structures. He was speaking of His Kingdom people, living stones joined together with Christ, the cornerstone. Through Him, we are growing into a holy temple for the Lord. We are creating a dwelling place for God by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:20-22).
The Eyes of the Heart
The Apostle Paul prayed for the church of Ephesus. He asked for their hearts to be enlightened. They should recognize the hope of their calling. They should understand the riches of God’s glorious inheritance among His holy people. They should also realize the immense power available to those who believe. This power is the same that raised Christ from the dead. It is the power that seated Him at the pinnacle of honor and authority.
Paul’s prayer echoes across generations, inviting us to examine our own hearts. What do we see when we ask God to reveal the truth within us? Are we living in alignment with the hope of our calling and the inheritance granted to us? Or have we allowed our hearts to become clouded by disobedience, pride, or complacency?
Lessons from Jeremiah: The Condition of the Heart
The prophet Jeremiah offers a sobering perspective on the condition of mankind’s heart. He declares it “deceitful above all things and desperately wicked . . . Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9-10). This truth is both humbling and enlightening. Only God can truly diagnose the state of our hearts and provide the healing we so desperately need.
Jeremiah’s prophetic ministry was marked by calls to repentance and a return to righteousness—both for individuals and nations. He prophesied of a future day. On that day, God would write His law upon human hearts (Jeremiah 31:33; cf Romans 2:15). This act would signal an intimate transformation that transcends the external observance of rules.
The children of Israel, however, failed to heed Jeremiah’s warnings. Despite their belief in God’s protection, they forfeited it through disobedience. Their hearts had grown corrupt. Their lives reflected injustice. They neglected the fatherless. They failed to defend the needy. They became consumed by wealth and self-indulgence (Jeremiah 5:27-28). Yet, even in their stubbornness, God sought to purify His people, demonstrating both justice and mercy (Jeremiah 9:7).
Guarding the Heart
Years ago, I found myself grappling with the condition of my own heart. Personal struggles and internal battles seemed relentless. My thoughts and emotions fought against the truths I knew to be of God. In moments of despair, I cried out. I said, “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a steadfast spirit within me.” This plea became a cornerstone in my journey toward freedom in Christ.
The heart is fragile and deceptive. Without vigilance, it can harbor negativity, resentment, or hardness due to life’s challenges. Even seemingly good works can stem from a bad heart. Actions are performed not out of love and obedience but from pride. They may also come from obligation or other misguided motives. Thus, it is essential to continually evaluate, asking, “What is the condition of my heart toward God and His people?”
A Prophetic Responsibility
Abraham Herschel once said, “A prophet has a responsibility for the moment, an openness to what the moment reveals. He is a person who knows what time it is.” This poignant observation underscores the urgent need for spiritual discernment—not only for prophets but for all believers. We must know what time it is in the spirit and respond appropriately to the revelations God provides.
The journey to a guarded, purified heart is ongoing. It requires a commitment to remain open to God’s correction and guidance. We need to repent when necessary. We must also embrace the life-changing work of His Spirit. The process may be difficult. Yet, it is a pathway to a deeper relationship with God. This relationship empowers us to fulfill our calling as His holy people.
A Call to Action
Now is the time to awaken to the truth about our hearts. As Jeremiah illustrated, the condition of the heart shapes our individual lives. It also affects the collective destiny of nations. Repentance, righteousness, and obedience are not optional—they are the foundations of spiritual renewal.
Let us take the words of Jeremiah, Paul, and Jesus to heart, turning inward to examine our own spiritual condition. When we pray, “God knows my heart,” may we do so with humility and readiness for His revelation. May we allow Christ to heal, purify, and strengthen us. By doing this, we become a beacon of His love and truth to the world.
Closing Reflection
As you ponder the matters of the heart, remember that transformation begins with surrender. It begins with a willingness to let go of preconceived notions, past hurts, and self-centered ambitions. It begins with the call to seek the Lord with fervor and faith. May your heart be enlightened and renewed in the knowledge of the Creator. May it be guarded in this knowledge. Step boldly into the hope, power, and inheritance that are yours in Christ.
May we ascend the hill of the Lord with clean hands and pure hearts. Let us stand boldly in His holy presence. May we experience the fullness of His love and glory.
May the grace and peace of God envelop you, guiding your steps and illuminating your path with divine purpose. May His love overflow in your heart, inspiring and uplifting those around you. Amen.
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 