Words that Cut to the Heart

Growing up if I had my choice about who would deliver any disciplinary action, my choice was always my mother. Now mind you, Mom would use scolding, time out, grounding, and other seemingly harsh measures at the time to get my attention. For me, though, what I dreaded even more were the calm, sweet words from my father like, “I’m really disappointed” or “You’ve let me down” Wow… I would rather have taken a scolding from my mom any day than to hear those words from Dad. My parents were both wonderful Christians – they just had different demeanors. Most people say they never knew a kinder man than my father – to disappoint him cut me to the quick. 

There is a verse recorded in Matthew spoken by Jesus that also cuts me to the heart - words that would cause unbearable pain if ever heard – “Depart from me, I never knew you.” (Matthew 7:23) Christ spoke these words to the seemingly “religious” of those days... those who looked like followers on the outside but whose hearts were empty and hypocritical. Jesus will not spend eternity with souls that rely upon appearances. He only welcomes those who rely upon acceptance of His grace and forgiveness. 

Sometimes I wonder if we get caught up in working here on earth for recognition, position or just to keep up appearances. When was the last time our hearts were truly broken for the lost? Have we really shed any tears for them? When was the last time we actually sacrificed to give to the Lord’s work other than giving from our left overs? When was the last time we gave up our pride without holding on to resentment to forgive someone who hurt us? These actions require our hearts to be pure – the part of us that Jesus looks at. 

As we live out the Christian life, especially as we think of the cause of missions - reaching the lost through our heart, our giving, and our loving spirit, let’s think about what words we want to hear from our Heavenly Father – either “depart from me” or “well done thy good and faithful servant”? Our eternity depends on it.