The spiritual allegiances of the heart are sometimes hidden, but like the quality of fruit on a tree, the heart will eventually reveal itself in word and deed:
For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (Luke6:43-45)Any violation of God's law is an expression of the heart, as is faith and obedience. Our emotions are also, more often than not, animated by the orientation of our hearts....When our worship is false, and the things we desire are unattainable or impotent, we can be grieved, bitter, depressed, angry, or fearful. Our emotions usually mean something, and it is wise to ask, "What are my emotions saying?" "What are they pointing to?"
In less religious language, here are some questions that can reveal the heart:
- What do you truly want?
- What is your purpose in life?
- What or whom do you really love?
- When do you get most sad and depressed?
- When do you get hopeless (not getting what you want)?
- What do you get excited about? What brings you the greatest pleasure?
- What is your dream? What do you day dream about?
- How would you like to be remembered?
- What do you especially want to avoid?
Think about these questions. What do the answers say about your life, relationships, and God?
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