My wife, Cathi, and I have recently returned from a visit to Scotland and Ireland. Both countries are beautiful beyond description but the Isle of Skye, off the west coast of Scotland, especially won our hearts. We fell in love with the people and the beauty of the island. We were treated royally by a precious Parish Minister and his dear wife as we stayed in their home for four days. They fed us royally, showed us some of the most beautiful sites we have ever seen, and introduced us to many of their friends who live on the island as well. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience which we will treasure in our hearts and minds for years to come. Out of all of our travels around mainland Scotland and Ireland, the Isle of Skye won our hearts more than any other place we saw or visited. It is definitely our preference!
In similar manner, unless our hearts are won for Christ above all other experiences, our hearts will be divided, compromised or lukewarm for the things of God. We may be Christian in some ways, but not all the way. The Scripture says; “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:34
A treasure is anything you cherish or value highly. It could be a person, a reputation, money, possessions, or any type of indulgence that will give pleasure to the flesh. It is very difficult to treasure the virtue of purity when one is enjoying a fling with a mistress, or sexual indulgences with a girlfriend for; “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Professing Christians are often guilty while justifying their forbidden fruit in the name of love or saying; “God understands”.
And let us not forget the millions that are abusing drugs and alcohol. It is a love affair with a substance that is seen as the cure-all. Some like the feeling it gives them even at the expense of risking all that it will cost them. Some use it as an escape mechanism from the difficulty or hurt that they are experiencing, abandoning all reason. Some use in order to have a moment of relaxation, a sedative, relief from pressures. Whatever the motive, it is a desire that in the end will kill the user; either emotionally, physically or both. If you love that which God condemns, you will lose that which you love most. Almost always that includes family.
One wonders whatever happened to Demas who was a co-laborer with Paul the Apostle in Philemon v.23. We know that Scripture tells us in II Timothy 4:10 that Demas forsook Paul “having loved this present world”. Whatever enticed Demas to return to the love of the world is not surprising. There are many today who have professed Christ and have gone the way of Demas in one degree or another. Their lives drift into the snare of the serpent who deceives them into believing that they can live as they please without consequence.
It is our desire to counsel those who are in bondage to their sinful choices to acknowledge their disobedience, repent of their sins, and to love Jesus first and foremost. Until they see that their primary offense is against God, it will be difficult for them to see the cross and the width, length and depth of His love for them. This perfect love will, by its nature, melt the heart of the one who has been rescued from blindness and has made Jesus their first love.
When Jesus is treasured in your heart above everything else, your heart will always be warm toward Him. “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us?” Luke 24:32 It will no longer be a burden to obey laws; it will be a delight to love Him. The obedience to Him will flow naturally out of the one who is deeply in love with Jesus.
May I ask you…Do you have a “heart” problem? Is your heart cold, divided, compromised in the love of God? Have you considered the Scripture; “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”? Think about it! Are you ready to give your heart to Jesus and make Him your treasure above everything else? Oh, my friend, do it! The Savior is waiting.
