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A Call Out Of Complacency

"Open the eyes of my heart."

Emily Wood

May 29, 2018

Liberty University

127

Public Domain Pictures

Protecting the heart is paramount. Proverbs 4:23 teaches us to guard our hearts above all else for the heart is the “wellspring of life.”

From the heart flows what is stored inside, for a tree is known by its fruit.

The root of sin stems from the heart. Jeremiah said that “the heart is deceitful and desperately sick.” (17:9)

The world’s problems do not stem from our decisions or our division, but from our hearts. The Church’s problems do not stem from our laws or our leaders, but from our hearts.

To see change in the world, we must start from within ourselves. To see revival in the Church, we must begin on a personal level. Awakening begins from within.

What is the cure to soften our hearts of stone? Jesus.

God made a promise in Ezekiel to, “remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh…” (11:19)

The Bible is alive and powerful, but until the Truth resonates on a personal level, it is mere words on a page. Though its words may sink into our minds, we are unchanged people until they seep into our hearts.

To know Him is to undergo true heart change by the Holy Spirit. Without the working of the Holy Spirit, a change of heart is impossible.Being a Christian is an ever-present process of molding our hearts to become more like His.

If we stifle Him from our hearts, we become people without purpose or passion. A loveless life is not a reflection of Jesus.

The center of Jesus’ message was allowing the Law to transform into love. Jesus said that the commands to love God and to love our neighbor sums up the entire Law and Prophets. These love-based actions begin from within the heart. In order to love as Jesus loved and to live as Jesus lived, He must first take residence within our hearts.

Michael W. Smith penned these words:

“Open the eyes of my heart, Lord.

Open the eyes of my heart.

I want to see You.”

May these words be our heart's desire as we pursue Him.

May we never be complacent or comfortable. May we never be stagnant or unmoving. But may we ever be in the pursuit of Him.

*****

Open the eyes of my heart to Your Word. Your Will. Your People. Your World. But most of all, open the eyes of my heart that I may see You and know You more.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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A Call Out Of Complacency

"Open the eyes of my heart."

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Here are just a few of those things.

Take the time to thank that one friend in your life you will never let go of.

1. Thank you for being the one I can always count on to be honest.

2. Thank you for accepting me for who I am.

3. Thank you for teaching me what real love feels like.

4. Thank you for always making sure I'm safe.

5. Thank you for going through things with me.

6. Thank you for teaching me to take care of myself.

7. Thank you for going out of your way to make me feel supported.

8. Thank you for always being there to back me up, even when you know I'm wrong.

9. Thank you for constantly pushing me to live up to my potential.

10. Lastly, thank you for making such a huge impact on my life.

It sucks, but you’ll make it through

1. Please just be seasonal allergies

2. I must not have gotten enough sleep last night

3. I’ll just take a little nap

4. Oh no, I have so much due tomorrow!

5. I’m fine, I’ll just sleep it off

6. Do I have to be responsible today?

7. Ugh no, I can’t actually be sick

8. Alright, I’ll take some medicine and I’ll be fine

9. This is the worst day of my life

10. Mom?

11. She was right (like always)

12. Too bad you're busy and can’t take the day off tomorrow

13. You think about taking the day off, but realize you have like three tests

14. You think you're actually going to be sick forever

15. Finally, you're better!

Sleepovers are not a thing. They're just not.

1. You only ask things once.

2. Seriously, you only ask once.

3. When you do muster up the courage to ask your parents for something, you creep around and wait until they’re in a good mood.

4. Before you get that final yes, you have to go through an interview.

5. If you ever got “the eye,” you knew you were screwed.

6. You were always the first to leave your group of friends when hanging out.

7. If you say you will be home at a certain time, you better be home at that time.

8. Seeing a missed call from your parents sends fear and horror through your veins.

9. If relatives are coming over to the house, your room better be clean.

10. You are careful about what jokes you share with your parents.

11. "You’re not an adult until you turn 18! You can do whatever you want then!"

12. If plans change while you’re out, you better text or call.

13. Don’t talk back. Ever.

14. When you’re called by your full name, you’re in deep trouble.

15. Don’t make them call your name twice.

16. Sleepovers are not a thing.

17. Despite all of these things, you know your parents love you.

For better or for worse

1. Pets

2. Mornings

3. Mistakes

4. Cooking for yourself

5. Hosting

6. Taking care of yourself

7. Holidays

8. Roommates

9. Keeping focused and getting stuff done

10. Cleaning

11. Social life

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