In Romans 2:7-8 Paul contrasts two different types of hearts:
a heart that pursues God in doing good and a heart that seeks self. The
difference is striking.
“To
those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will
give eternal life. But for those
who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and
anger.” (Romans 2:7-8)
The
heart of a genuine Christian has been transformed from stone to flesh, from
self-centered to God-centered, from love of self to love for Jesus Christ.
Out
of the heart the mouth speaks, the person acts, the life is lived. What we love
we pursue. What we value we seek.
A
genuine Christian loves Jesus, lives for Jesus, and longs to obey his commands.
A non-believer is bound by sin, seeks self, turns from the truth, and
pursues evil.
The reward of for a genuine Christian is God himself for eternity. We live for
him now and forever more. We love him now and forever more. We worship him now
and forever more. We experience his presence now and forever more.
The
consequence for unbelievers is just the opposite. Rejecting the truth and
pursuing evil means facing the wrath and anger of our just and holy God. It
means eternal separation from God.
How
would you honestly assess your heart? Do you love Jesus Christ? Do you love him? Do you live for his glory? Do you see
evidence of your love for him in how you live, what you think about, and what you seek?
If you have a heart that genuinely loves Jesus, rejoice. This is a gift and a miracle. Take time to praise God for coming into your life and transforming you.
If you do not have a heart that genuinely loves Jesus, take time now to surrender to him. Admit your sinfulness, admit your need for a Savior, acknowledge that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, and place your faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Cultivate a heart centered on Jesus, die to self, and live all-out every day for him.
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