Developing a heart for God is not as difficult as it may sound. It involves concerning our heart with the concerns of God's heart. We must develop those qualities that are worth having in our lives.
Each of these steps is an antidote, a cure, or a remedy, to the diseases we have just discussed.
A. Be humble in spite of success. In order to keep success from crowding God out of the heart it must be kept in check. Humility is simply recognizing the grace and mercy of God. When it comes to success and accomplishment, humility recognizes where these things come from. Perhaps the ultimate test of a heart for God is: How do you handle success? The greatest test of our character is not adversity but prosperity. When things are going well do you pray as often? When you are enjoying promotions and bonuses do you recognize God as the ultimate source of those blessings?
B. Be mindful of the Shepherd. The antidote for selfishness is the exaltation of God. Whereas selfishness shrinks the heart, the exaltation of God expands the heart. It creates room for God. It dispels the unnecessary things in life.
C. Be available in service. The antidote for sloth is service. Sloth dries up the heart. Service opens a floodgate of life-giving resources to bring energy and power to one's heart and devotion to God. It has been said that God wants our availability before he wants our ability. The truth is he wants both. But the fact remains that he can't use our ability unless we have made ourselves available to him.
D. Be repentant of sins. David prayed, "God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). He wanted a heart that was clean before God. This represents an individual who devotes their life to God.
E. Be trusting in a Savior. Stress breaks even the sturdiest of hearts. David had an antidote - Trust in a living God. This was the controlling factor in his life.
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