Jeremiah 17:10 (NLT)
10 “But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”
In my counseling ministry, I deal with people who are hurt deeply by what others do and say that is ungodly. Much of their pain comes from people who claim a relationship with God and, yet, do not act godly. It can range from anger, abusive words and actions, porn addiction, sexual sins, selfish attitudes, etc.
These hurting people who follow the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life usually have two sides to their lives. When they are around people outside their immediate family, they attempt to act godly to make good impressions on others. But when they are home with those closest to them, their true selfish heart is revealed in how they talk and act.
When these two-sided people attend church, they act very spiritual. Usually they want to be seen by others. They love the visible positions. But as I study Jeremiah 17:10, I see there will definitely be accountability to God. He will give us rewards according to our actions. Hypocrites may get by for a season in their double life, but all of us will stand before God either at the Judgment Seat of Christ (the church) or the White Throne Judgment (all others).
Psalm 101 (NLT) 1 “I will sing of your love and justice, Lord. I will praise you with songs. 2 I will be careful to live a blameless life— when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. 3 I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar (evil, wicked, worthless). I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. 4 I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil. 5 I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.”
Psalm 101 has been my prayer for many years. The KJ version says, “I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.” The word perfect means total dependence on God. When we are baptized with the Holy Ghost, we are the temple (house) of God. Daily it’s my goal to walk with a clean heart in God’s sight. As I do this, the Fruit of the Spirit will flow from my heart to those around me – in my home and everywhere else.
Psalm 139:23-24 (MSG)
“Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life.”
I call this spiritual exploratory surgery. I pray these words speak to someone’s heart. If we totally surrender our selfishness to the Lord, we can walk within our house with a perfect heart in total dependence on God.
Jesus is coming for His Bride without spot or wrinkle. The trumpet of the Lord could sound any moment from the clouds changing us from mortals to immortals to live with our Bridegroom in heaven forever. I live daily knowing the secrets of my heart are revealed to Him moment by moment. He knows the way that I take! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
www.carolclemans.org – I provide nationwide counseling by phone/Skype (636) 448-0121. I love teaching God’s anointed truth for churches/conferences. Teaching products are on above website plus book: GOD’S DESIGN FOR MARRIAGE.